PH Level

[Tyslin]

Hey Everyone,

I've been having problems keeping my PH at around 8.2. My readings everyday seems to fluctuate from 7.8 at night which I believe to be normal, because ph lowers at night,... to around 8.8 late afternoon around 5pm central time. My lights are set for an 8 hour cycle, my t5's go on at 11am and turn off at 7pm. HQ's turn on at 12pm and turn off at 6pm. can someone tell me how I can keep my PH at 8.2 and why is this happening, any info on what causes PH to rise is very much appreciated. I mean I have read articles on PH, but would like to hear your guys opinion on this, thanks.

[antonym518]

sounds like you have a nice tank. Also if everything looks ok then don't worry. My ph bounces around too. 8.8 is pretty high. try using seachems 8.3 liquid buffer, thats what I use abut once a week with alk buffer and calcium.

[Daniel072]

dude don't even worry about it. Ph can change with anything from room temp, to open window. As long as things are looking good I wouldn't be concerned with it.

[antonym518]

amen

[Tyslin]

Thanks guys, just some additional information. My tank is only 3 months old could it be part of the maturing process and that the PH will level out? Also Algae is becoming a problem for me alot on the rocks with some purple coralline, but it seems that the algae is not receeding, it's been like this for a month already. My parameters are as follows:

Ammonia- 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 0
PH. 8.8
Phosphate - 0
Alk - 11.8
Calcium - 460
Magnesium - 1280
Temp 74- 76
Salinity - 1.023

I believe my parameters are right on point, but this green algae doesn't seem to be dimishing and the coralline is not growing. I have T5 and HQ combo lights, my photo period is an 8 hours period. I am also using Kalk with vinegar for the last 5 days, hopeing that the Phosphates will lessen. I am getting very frustrated over this problem, I sure could use some ideas to battle this issue, perhaps I need to understand the process my tank goes through for the first few months. Any help is appreciated,

[djnzlab1]

HI,
I don't worry about PH in saltwater KH is the Vilian when there flux.
Most tanks have a bio-logical metabolism, that uses KH up so many add small amount of Buffer as needed.
If you move to fast it can Kill inverts and even fish. So make small changes with time.
Most phos is bound in the system by algae/ bacteria so you may read Zero and still have excess phos in the water.
Many use a phos remover to help remove free phos as its released by the alage thru its life cycle. grows dies relases grows dies.
Be sure your not adding alot of phos with food. some have less phos than others.
Flakes can be rather high with phos, wash frozen foods feed small amounts of food.
And remember any food that enters a filter will increase the bio-waste in the water without feeding the fish.
I shut down filters when I feed to prevent this and rinse pads almost every other day.
Doug