What causes PH drop?

Since starting tank. I have never had much PH fluctuation - almost always a steady 8.2.

All of a sudden on last test (I never go more then a couple of days without checking) it was 7.8.

Redid test couple of times just to make sure (even used two different "test kits&quot also to verify.

All other parameters reading normal.

SG: 1.024

PH: 7.8

Ammonia: 0

NO2 (Nitrite): 0 ppm

NO3 Nitrate 0 ppm

Temp: 80 F

Ca 450 ppm

PO4 (Phospate): 0 ppm
Cu (Copper): 0 ppm


This is a significant change and came quick.

Why ???

OmarD

 

One of the biggest factors will be a build up of CO2 in the water.
Have you moved any power heads around recently? Do you have a glass cover on your Tank?
Over feeding can also lead to a build up of CO2.

J

 

No cover.

Overfeeding always a possibility -

May be remaining effect from unintentional "overfeed" while up north. (autofeeder malfunction)

Just did big water change.

Will keep eye on.

Thanks,

S

 

Ya that was prob. the cause.


J

 

Ionic imbalance then

 

Overfeeding yes. You might also want to check if any prefilters you use on your filter intakes are clogged one of the reasons ug filters are so bad (I know you aren't using one) is that they weren't easy to maintain and would plug up and the ph would crash I have seen this happen on sumps were the blue white filter pad would be blocked with debris and the ph would drop not drasticlly like ug filter but enough to warrant investigation.

 

Another great tip...will give all prefilters a good cleaning in AM.

Thanks,

OmarD

 

Read this.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

 

What's the Ideal pH in a FOWLR tank? Mine is currently around 7.4 but the water from the lfs is 8.4...

 

Yours is way low. Usually, 8 - 8.4 is normal.


In other news, zombieism is breaking out on older-than-usual threads!