Going after low pH

what is the best and easiest way to raise pH?
Ok, some history. I've known about chronically low pH in my systems for a while. I thought I could overcome the issue by keeping other perameters (especially alk) in check. I would have thought that there is adequate ventilation to the water surface but that's the first thing I'll check. A local lfs suggested using an air pump directly into the sump or return chamber. Currently I'm testing pH every few hours and through the night to get a baseline. My friends at Amazon are sending me an air pump. Should arrive tomorrow. If the increased air from inside works then I'll just place some fans. If not, I'll pipe in air from the outside. So far today 3 tests have shown about pH 7.7.

 

Honestly, an air pump won't do much (besides create salt creep) unless you have very low flow/circulation, and then a powerhead would work much better. Also, neither will do much if the low O2 is caused by limited ventilation into your home, which is usually the case unless your tank is overcrowded. I've seen lots of folks cure the issue by simply running their skimmer air intake line outside.

 

Thanks for the input mr bill. Plenty of flow in there. Have a Gyre and Jabao sloshing water around. also a 50 gallon sump with about 2' x 4' surface. The top of the tank is semi open with a 30"x 12" opening. I would have thought that was plenty. Obviously not. I'm just starting the experimenting. I have an air pump that's supposed to be big enough for a 60 gallon tank. I'll be able to figure out if I can get the water oxygenated from the interior air or if it needs to come from the outside. Hopefully one of these two options will be the solution. Continuing to test pH every couple hours so I should be able to detect a difference.

 

Kalk has always been my go to for raising pH. It's effective and cheap, you just have to nail down the dosing and remember less is almost always better with kalk.

 

So far I've been maintaining Ca & Alk with water changes. That may change though if things start growing. That is my plan b if I can't raise pH with increased oxygen. I'd rather not increase complexity unless it's necessary. So far pH has remained steady at 7.7 around the clock. In your opinion, is it wise to get a second opinion on salifert pH test? Accuracy pretty good?

 

Run your skimmer line outside. My pH went from 7.7 to 8.1

 

That's what I expect I'll end up doing. Just want to collect information on the other options.

 

PH fluctuates. If your readings are not then your testing is inaccurate.

 

I'll continue to test. Haven't seen any fluctuations so far.

 

Try testing early in the morning before lights come on as the PH should be at its lowest point.