HELP. Ph level low

[IfoundNemo]

Can't seem to raise the ph level in my tank. It is 7.8 or 8.0 most of the time. Should i change 10% water, or just add red sea reef buffer? TIA

[EL Diablo]

if it is constantly low add Buffer,

From time to time my PH is a little low and the Buffer brings it to normal in a minute or so.

[IfoundNemo]

PH was constantly between 7.8, 8.0 level for weeks. Yesterday morning, i added the buffer solution, and top the tank with 2gal spring water. The PH test registered 7.5 last night. Could it be the spring water?

[quarryshark]

Do you have a glass cover in your tank? Also do you have good water surface movement?
If you have a glass cover, try leaving it open for a few hours and retest. See if it comes up.
Poor gas exchange can drive a PH down. Here is a test you can do. Get a cup full of tank water, airate it for an hour or 2 and test the PH. If it is elevated, then you need to get better gas exchange in you system. This can be accomplised by opening or removing part of you glass top and replacing it with eggcrate. At the same time, point a powerhead or 2 towards the surface of the water to agitate the waters surface,this is where the oxygen-carbon dioxide gas exchange takes place
Also may be getting bad readings with the test kit. May want to take a sample to your LFS to confirm the readings.

[IfoundNemo]

I have HD eggcrate, and water surface movent also good. I also have 2 sets of test kit, and both showed same results. I'll point the PH toward the surface more and see if that will help.

[quarryshark]

Also test your alk.
How much live rock and what kind of substrate do you have?

[IfoundNemo]

alk test level shows high. LR/BR about 145lbs , PS/LS about 3". The amonia, and nitrite was at 0 about 4 weeks ago. Now both a lil high , but that is understandle since i just added 45lbs cured fiji LR to the tank.

[quarryshark]

I would suspect the gas exchange or the test kit(s). Have you considered a PH monitor? They are quite accurate and will save you $$ in the long run.

[IfoundNemo]

I think its the gas exchange. I saw several PH monitor on ebay. What kind would you suggest?

[quarryshark]

I have a Milwaukee, but Pinpont makes a good one too. Check with a few of the site sponsors too, you may find a deal there. I believe captivereefs.com give us a % off.

[EL Diablo]

I have the Pin Point PH monitor and really like it.

It's great to always know what your Ph is at all times