fluctuating pH

[pulleygirl]

okay, so for the last couple of weeks i have been battling with my pH. 2 days ago i tested it and it was at about 8.4 (it was at 7.7 when i started), so i was happy with that and stopped adding the buffer. so today i get home and test my pH, and it is at 7.8! what would cause it to fluctuate? my bubble tip rose anemone is not looking very happy, he didnt look happy the other night and then the next day he looked fine. i just tested my alk, and it is fine, and my calcium is at about 420. does anyone have any ideas?

 

[mojoreef]

Ph swings happen from lighting periods to dark periods. First thing I would do is take the water to a LFS and have them run a ph test just to make sure and eliminate that problem. What was your alk reading??

Mike

 

[pulleygirl]

my alk...i'm not sure what the translation is....the directions don't actually say (atleast i couldnt find it on there), it took 13 drops to make it change from blue to not blue....and the LFS said it should take 11.

 

[NaH2O]

pulleygirl - can you list out your parameters for us? Include your current specific gravity or salinity, Ca, Alk, and Mg if you have a test kit. How are you measuring your pH (i.e. kit, monitor)?

Here are a couple of articles for you, they may help:

Low pH: Causes and Cures

The Effects of Carbon Dioxide on pH

 

[pulleygirl]

-Specific Gravity~1.024 (as i just went to test, and my tester appears to be broken!)
-Calcium: 420
-Alk: not sure of a number (should take at least 11 drops, mine too 13, so i am assuming its okay?)
-Mg, don't have a test kit, and the stores here dont seem to test for it, blah blah

i have a testing kit for my pH

 

[DonW]

I think I would ignore it until you can get some good test kits. It sound like your using a Tetra style alk kit. This should save you alot of grief when dealing with your chemistry issues.

Don