PH Level

[Pinkfish]

How does one go about lowering the PH level if the PH level is to High,
And how does one go about increasing the PH level if its too low?

Many thanks
Mike

[liquidlogic]

to keep it stable, lots of surface agatation is always a good one. so thers good gas exchange, buffers work ok

[Harrison]

As per liquidlogic stability is the key, don’t get hooked up the value especially if you’re using a test kit as opposed to a well calibrated probe. Your ph will swing over a 24hr period as the levels of C02 in the water vary but minimising this swing is what you’re striving for, the use of a reverse lit sump growing macro algae is an effective example. Also make sure your testing your alkalinity again stability is the key, a level 8 -10 dkh is a good target this will help keep the ph stable as well.

I’ve seen system running very successfully with average ph’s from 7.8 to 8.5. If your water is testing outside these parameters then there is something seriously wrong (more than likely your test kit).

To answer your question Sodium bicarbonate aka bicarbonate of soda will lower ph (as well as raising alkalinity). Sodium bicarbonate baked in an oven for two hours will raise ph (again it will raise alkalinity). However don’t do anything like this until you’ve tested Alkalinity, calcium and magnesium and posted your results on here.

Cheers

Matthew