cusemarine
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
For the last week the pH in my main tank has been fluctuating between 7.8 in the morning and 8.1-8.2 in the evening. I usually check pH monthly since I've never had issues before at keeping it at 8.4. Alkalinity is 4.75, and carbonate hardness is 11 dKH. I'd like to discuss (1) what is causing the pH instability and (2) what can be done to stabilize the pH at 8.2-8.4 while keeping optimum alkalinity and dKH levels?
I initially tried Kent Superbuffer but the dKH remains consistent at 11 and I don't want to overdose the tank with carbonate. The invertes and fish seem unaffected and continue to eat but I'm concerned that longterm pH instability will cause harm. My tank specs are included below. Thanks
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90-gallon marine tank with a couple clowns and sailfin tang. Several invertes including 12 emerald green crabs, 20 hermit crabs, 3 peppermint shrimp, 6 turbo snails, and a BTA. Protein skimmer with 100-pounds live rock, Total 495 watts lighting w/2-MH, power compacts and lunars. Ammonia & Nitrite = 0, Nitrate = 10, specific gravity: 1.025. Using Sea-Lab 28 to maintain calcium at 400 ppm.
I initially tried Kent Superbuffer but the dKH remains consistent at 11 and I don't want to overdose the tank with carbonate. The invertes and fish seem unaffected and continue to eat but I'm concerned that longterm pH instability will cause harm. My tank specs are included below. Thanks
_______________
90-gallon marine tank with a couple clowns and sailfin tang. Several invertes including 12 emerald green crabs, 20 hermit crabs, 3 peppermint shrimp, 6 turbo snails, and a BTA. Protein skimmer with 100-pounds live rock, Total 495 watts lighting w/2-MH, power compacts and lunars. Ammonia & Nitrite = 0, Nitrate = 10, specific gravity: 1.025. Using Sea-Lab 28 to maintain calcium at 400 ppm.