lowering your PH

[GR808]

I need to lower my PH just a tad, just tested and is running about 8.4-8.5. Any tips on lowering it?

[Manoj's Reef]

I think you can add some vinegar to get it down. I read it a while ago and I am not 100% sure but if you google it you should find some information on it.

[jimsflies]

High pH is a fairly uncommon problem in reefs in my experience. I would verify your test method a couple different ways before going nuts with adding anything to lower it. pH varies over the course of the day and if you top out at 8.4-8.5, I think you are just fine.

If you finally decide it needs to be lowered, although you can use vinegar, carbonated water would be a better bet. That way you are not adding a separate carbon source that could be a source for problems in a couple weeks.

[GR808]

I will re-test the PH and it was about 10 in the morning I tested. I'm scheduled for a 15% water change and I will test again after. My Alk is about 7 dkh and with the PH on the higher end, will that cause any problems? Can I adjust both in one method?

[GR808]

anyone got tips on lowering your PH?

[Bluering]

Vinegar or lemon juice is a quick fix, or you'll have to buy a PH reducing product from the LFS.

But a more true method of stabilizing PH is water changes.

[GR808]

any type of vinegar?
just tested the ph at 8.5-8.6..
I don't know why it got so high?

[MizTanks]

Actually those readings are not so high-not to worry about anyways-considering most keep it around 8.4 Has it always tested 8.5-8.6 or is this something new?

[GR808]

It has normally been about 8.1-8.2 but it has tested this high for a little over a week. After the first test a little over a week ago, I did a 15-20% water change. Very little kalk was adding during that period as well. Nothing out of the ordinary.
Maybe it's my test kit. I am using a Red Sea test kit for the PH and Alk.

[jimsflies]

Sorry I didn't notice your reply back before now... I think 10 is an erroneous result. Unless you're adding something to raise pH, I can't see it ever getting that high on it's own. Not to mention I would guess that many creatures would start to perish with a pH that high.

Before you do any adjusting, you need to get another test from a different kit or method.

(BTW - I merged your new thread with this older thread and moved it to beakerbob's chemistry forum.)

[ReeferRob]

Sorry I didn't notice your reply back before now... I think 10 is an erroneous result. Unless you're adding something to raise pH, I can't see it ever getting that high on it's own. Not to mention I would guess that many creatures would start to perish with a pH that high.

Before you do any adjusting, you need to get another test from a different kit or method.

(BTW - I merged your new thread with this older thread and moved it to beakerbob's chemistry forum.)

I believe he was referring to the time of day that he tested the water Jim.

Like others had mentioned, get a 2nd or even a 3rd test by a LFS or local refer.
Do a water change first if your truly concerned of the elevated levels. I've been curious of sometime what the actual "danger zone" is for our reefs as mine typically hangs out around 8.4-8.5 too.

[jimsflies]

Ah...yeah, I guess I see that now. That's why units are helpful... pH = 8.4 s.u. or 10 am.