pH test AM or PM?

[SRA4031]

I have read some posts where the person refered to the pH being one level during the day, and higher at night, and also a different pH when the windows are open. What is the ideal time to test pH?

[stevensmd]

from what I understand...you should test at various times to baseline your tank..ph is lowest at night after the lights have been out for several hours.
dave

[SRA4031]

Thanks. I have noticed when I test first thing in the morning right after I turn on my lights, the pH is about 8.1 - 8.2, but in the afternoon the pH has been around 8.2 - 8.3.

[reewik]

Maybe if you did not test every hour.....LOL

[SRA4031]

It keeps me from re-stacking rock

[fishdoc11]

Thats pretty normal. Your pH, not testing it every hour. Unless you are Wooglin, then you just do a water change every hour.
Chris

[aquaman67]

It's fine. Living things in your tank use CO2 for photosynthesis. It starts when the lights come on. Since CO2 is acidic, your pH is lowest first thing in the morning. As CO2 gets used, the pH climbs.

Also, in newer airtight homes, there can be enough CO2 in the air to drive down the pH. So instead of a skimmer driving off excess CO2, it actually starts injecting it into your tank. I try to keep a window cracked now and then.

If you already knew all this, sorry. I explained it because I like have to the 'why' behind things.....

[SRA4031]

Actually that was good information, thanks. I will keep my testing in the afternoon.

[SRA4031]

I am not reaaly testing every hour Chris, Eric is just trying to give me a hard time.

I was testing the pH every morning before I turned the lights on for the day though cause I could not get the pH above 8.1, and aquaman67 help give me some insight there.

[fishdoc11]

I was j/k. I guess I need to throw in more LOL's!

[SRA4031]

Thats OK, I did not get offended.