Ph problems

[simian]

I am having trouble with keeping my ph up in the 8.1-8.3 range. I have to adjust the ph at least twice a week to keep in in range. I have a 35 gallon tank half filled with live rock, crushed coral substrate and 2 puffers, 1 coral beauty, 3 chromis and a wrasse(christmas I think). Can any one please help me to find a way to keep the ph level more constant ? thanks

 

[quarryshark]

What level is it at?
Also what time of day do you check? PH tends to fluctuate throughout the day being lower at night and in the early AM.

 

[malkore]

also, if you can post your alkalinity levels, that'll be a big help.

 

[simian]

The level ranges from 7.8 to 8.3, I test it about 5pm. I don't know the alkalinity levels.

 

[quarryshark]

These results are they both taken at the same time of the day? How many days apart? Sorry for all the question, just trying to get a feel of the fluctuations. Also was the higher reading after buffering? How ofter do you buffer? Water changes and how often. Yes and Alk level would help.

 

[simian]

All test are done at about 5pm, two to three days apart. The higher readings are taken just after I put buffer in. I have to use the buffer to adjust the ph up after each test. I change 10% every two to three weeks.
thanks

 

[quarryshark]

Do you have a glass top? This can tend to trap Co2 which can cause your PH to drop. Just a thought, if you do, try leaving the glass top open for a few hours and then test it again. Better yet, open a window in the room if you can. See if that helps.
Also, that tank is very overstocked (no offense intended). How are your other water levels?