My ph is running about 7.8-8.0. I read several places that this could be keeping my frogspawn from opening up as good as it should. I also read baking soda can be used to raise PH. Some of you master reefers give me some input. Should I raise it? Is baking soda ok (no lfs to run get buffer from)? How to do it? I've learned my lesson about sudden shifts in chemistry.... So I need someone experienced to help me out. My calcium is close to 500, and Mag is over 1400 so I'm not dosing anything currently....I really don't have enough load to need too. But I need to know about the ph.
Jason your range is fine, anything over 7.6 is good and that should be at night when lights are off. That has nothing to do with the frogspawn not blooming out. To much light can cause that or something with the water. Remember anything that raises ph well also raise alk., so be very careful. If you bake the baking soda as per RHF's article it well have less effect on alk. but well still effect it quite a bit, don't believe any of the products that say they well just buffer the ph. There are lots of things that can effect ph and the main one this time of year is having the house closed up for heat. The more people and animals that omitt CO2, well cause the ph to drop some. Mine is running at about 8.0 during the day, I don't check but would say 7.8 would be about right at night. Also remember to check your ph level at about the same time of day everytime as the length of time all your lights have been on well effect the ph. reading. Click on the sticky at the top of the chem forum and scroll down, as it says everything you want to know well be there in detail by one of the best.
John, Thanks. Since that is the case I will just leave things alone. My frogspawn may just be taking time. I finally had to move my Duncan to get him to open. I kept reading "down low" but moved him up one third into the rockwork and now he is opening really good. Maybe the frogspawn just wants a little more light. I'm very shy about adjusting anything water wise unless absolutely critical. My acans are beautiful and sprouting new heads and I guess I should use that as an indicator that the tank is healthy.
