PH drop

I read a few other threads but still figured I would post the question.
My PH seems to keep dropping to about 7.8-8.0
My tap is about 7.1
I add seachem reef buffer every week and it seems to go back up. But then it drops again.
Could it be from my topoff water being so low PH? I add about 3 gallons a week. I didnt think that would effect it so much.

 

I have the same problem. what helps seems to help me is opening the top of the aquarium and have a fan blow. Also you can put a airstone bubbler in there which the LFS said can help. Let me know if that helps

 

Why would these things help the PH?

 

it helps get oxygen in the water.



pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution. pH the molar concentration of dissolved hydronium ions (H3O+); a low pH indicates a high concentration of hydronium ions, while a high pH indicates a low concentration. Pure water is neutral, and can be considered either a very weak acid or a very weak base. For an aqueous solution to have a higher pH, a base must be dissolved in it, which binds away many of these rare hydrogen ions.

You already have H20, So to have a higher pH you need more oxygen atoms in the water. by usuing a method to get the oxygen int he water will increase pH

 

I think I have enough oxygen in the water.

 

There are several things that effect PH. But in your case it sounds like you also have an O2 problem. I would try to buffer more than just once a week.
Also I would not be so concerned with the PH number but more concerned about the stability of that number

J

 

okay well i guess go buy some ph buffers or test all your water parameters. whats is you KH level?

 

I have 4 fans blowing across to water surface and I have a an overflow box draining water pumped back up with a mag7. Also a protien skimmer running like crazy. So I can't believe its o2

 

yeah def not O2. well then i would just your water. For me when my KH was high I could get my pH to go past 7.7. after numerous water changes I finally got it under control.

 

OK,
lets get back to the basics first:
you already mentioned a skimmer and a basic sump.
do you have a hood or glass covers on the tank?
Do you have a fuge?
what is the lighting schedule on the fuge if you have one?
what are all your water parameters? please be specific with the numbers.