Test Kit Reading and (low?) pH Help!

[thepanfish]

I can't figure out whether this is 7.8, or between 8.0 and 8.2. What do ya'll think?



Also, if it is 7.8ish, should I dose some Brightwell Alk 8.3? It says on the label it will raise pH to 8.3.
Thanks

[bigbill]

hold old is the test kit looks kinda low 2nd off o u have a sump and if so do u keep your light on in there at night ?

[larryandlaura]

Tough call! Did you test again? I think it looks 7.8.

[MizTanks]

I was told a long time ago to use day light to read the color. Hold it against a sold white background, no other colors next to it that will cause shading. Don't let the light shine through it, which will also make it look lighter. Do that and you'll get an 8.2 which is what I think it's reading.

[thepanfish]

Okay thanks guys! The kit is a little less than a year and a half old, and I have no sump. I do agitate the surface at night to favor gas exchange.

[slapshot]

Was that tested in the morning or night? Does your house have air conditioning?

[thepanfish]

It was tested around the middle of the day, test tube is facing window. Yes, I'm running AC, and my tank is 80*

[slapshot]

Ok so assuming your light have not been on all that long I would expect a lower reading. Given that you have your air conditioning on, your reading is fine. Because your house is closed up you build up CO2 which will lower your PH. You are seeing what increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere does to the ocean. If you have no outside source ( air pump outside, skimmer air intake piped outside) of air then normal would be around 7.9. Which is fine BTW, 7.8 to 8.4 is considered normal. You really just don't want it jumping up or down more than a few 10ths. If you want to test it to be sure leave your windows open tonight and check it again tomorrow at the same time. I bet it is a solid 8.2.

[thepanfish]

Okay thanks! Very thorough explanation. I thought it would be an 8.2 as well.

[Sir Patrick]

Looks like 7.8 to me also....but then again looks an awful lot like 8.2 also.

After reading slapshots questions and your answers- I would go with the info he shared.