pH level being weird.

[Adam_T]

So I just checked my levels:

pH: 7.7
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0
Calcium: 420
Alk: 10
Temp: 78.2
Salinity: 1.024

Normally my pH is always at a steady 7.9-8.0 for the past 4 weeks now (just set my tank up roughly 7 weeks ago).

Anyone see a reason for the drop? All my levels look fine and have always been fine. pH drop was a surprise to me. I actually decided to test my levels because my Pink Star Polyp is being touchy and was closed all last night (normally open 24/7), and has yet to open back up today.

Any advice will be appreciated greatly.

[BeauCajun]

Adam, I am by no means an expert on the water chemistry but what about your Magnesium? What about your Salinity?

I was trying to explain but found this instead, stated it much better than I could, LOL.

Magnesium has two important effects on saltwater reef aquariums. Magnesium increases the buffering capacity of saltwater against the pH lowering effect and reduces the rate of calcium precipitation. As a result it is easier to maintain and balance higher levels of calcium and alkalinity. Magnesium levels should be maintained around 1350 ppm.

Mag also rises with increased salinity.

[Adam_T]

I don't have a mag or salinity test yet :-(. My refractometer from foster&smith comes in later this week. As for a mag test, I will just have to get it tested at my LFS. I heard that if your alk+cal are at their proper levels, that your mag is most likely at the right level as well. Maybe I'm wrong?

[BeauCajun]

Well, as I stated I'm not an expert on this, think everyone is watching the Super Bowl, which by the way I am too, hey that's my home team, Saints! OK, back to your question, just because your alk and cal are at proper levels does not mean your mag is, what I've read,been told, experienced that most times you'll find that your mag. is low, have your LFS test it for you.

I am happy to hear your getting a refractometer, that is so very important, you might also find that is part of your problem - low SG. .

Sorry I'm not much help and so very poor at explaining, I'm trying, LOL.

[foresteronw]

Salinity could be playing a part in this.

What temp are you running and when are you performing the test in conjunction with the light cycle?

Are you taking the test when the lights are on or off and how long after lights on or off.

[Adam_T]

I took the test at 4pm today, and always take the tests between 2-7pm. Lights come on at 10am and don't go off until 10pm.

Normally I was running my temp between 75-77 but people were telling me I need to be closer to 80 so I adjusted my heater yesterday and it was 78.2 when the tests were performed. If my salinity ends up being too high (it was last time I took it to my LFS 2 weeks ago), how do I fix it? They told me just to add more RO water...lol.

[foresteronw]

You would just add more RO water but honestly you don't' even want to attempt trying that until you have a way to test it. Honestly this to me is more important than any other test kit.

How are you testing you water temp, with a thermometer or a heater?

[JoeCreature]

Possibly excess CO2.....smoke indoors?

Simple test is to test pH and then take a cup of water and place outside with an aerator for 30min-1 hour and if the pH goes back to normal its excess CO2 indoors.

If not then its a water quality issue. pH is a log scale of the concentration of H+ ions (actually H3O+ hydronium ions), or acidity. With a pH drop that means your OH- (hydroxyl) ions are being used up. Since carbonic acid is one of the most active acids in seawater chemistry the CO2, HCO3, and H2CO3 complexes are imbalanced. This could be due to excessive ions (high salinity) or to biologic waste activity.....I would be suspicious of any 0, 0, 0 readings for NO3, NO2, or NH3/4. Pristine reef keepers fight with 5 ppm.....mine is usually in the 10-20 range.

As an aspiring Marine Biologist you should know how crucial salinity is to seawater chemistry and especially to biotics.

[Adam_T]

Well yeah, that is why I am doing this whole reef tank thing; to learn as much as I can before I transfer in the fall. I've yet to take any courses that pertain to marine science so I don't know much about it...yet.

As for my 0, 0, 0....when I first started my tank it was Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, and Nitrate were always around 5-20. But for the past 4 weeks or so they have been at a steady 0. Like...no questions asked bright yellow on my API test kits.

I'm thinking it's going to be my salinity, to be honest. My LFS (Fintastic), is known for having higher salinity in their water that you buy from them. The manager admitted it himself when he tested my salinity last time. My Refractometer comes in the mail this upcoming week and I will make sure to use it ASAP.

As for C02, no I do not smoke nor would I smoke indoors. I open my windows when I can but it has been cold lately and raining every day for the past week. I'll do that aerator option tomorrow when I get home from work.

Forester, as for my temp...I use one of the external stick ons at the opposite end of the tank that my heater is on, and I also use the coralife external digital from foster&smith.

[SMITTY27030]

yeah what joe said