PH of 'new' water

[Fanof49ASU]

Yesterday, I did a water change on my 5 gallon, and immediately, my zoas really looked bad. Overnight, they adjusted some, but they're still not up to par.

I just checked the ph of the 'new' water that I used, and it was 7.8. Shouldn't this be higher?

I've searched about low ph's, and they suggest doing a water change.

Obviously, this new water knocked my ph out of whack.

????

[crumbletop]

Was the new water salt water, or fresh? What salinity was it mixed too, and how long was it between adding the salt and taking the measurement? If it is well mixed salt water at around 1.026, then the pH is a bit low. You may have some excess CO2 buildup, if so. Here's a good article on low pH causes and cures.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm

[Fanof49ASU]

It was water from the Critter. It was mixed to 1.024 which is what my tank is sitting at. I did a water change around 11:30, and took a ph reading at 4:00 yesterday (8.0). This morning, I took a reading about an 1 hr after the lights came on, and it was lower than yesterday (7.8).

I may drop a powerhead in the jug and let it run for a bit, and see if that raises the ph. As for the tank, it's still not back to normal. I'll wait until tomorrow and do another 10% water change if the new water's ph is up.

[crumbletop]

What's your alk?

[The_Taz_Devil]

How long was the water mixed for and at what temp was it heated to and with what was it mixed ? Wow whats aplently!

[outreefed]

Sounds like the Critter sold you bad water. I had the Critter.

[Fanof49ASU]

What's going on with this message board? I responded an hour ago and now it's gone.....and that's not the first time. I've noticed some wierd stuff the past few days.

Once again.......
Alk is normal.
I got the water on Saturday....don't know what the Critter uses to mix.....it was heated to 79 degrees to match my tank.....the 'new' water (that I checked the ph from) was at room temperature.

Thanks for the replies. I'm hoping that when I return in the morning, everything will be straightened out. It did get progressively better as the day progressed, but it's still not the tank I photographed the other day.

[aquaman67]

What are you testing your pH with? And when was it calibrated?

Some meters have a tolerance of +/- .2

So that 7.8 could actually be 8.0 (or 7.6)

If it's a test kit, even a Salifert, I would get a second opinion before doing anything.

Chasing bad numbers can make things worse.

There are meters out there with a tolerance of +/- .01

[Fanof49ASU]

Yeah, a test kit. It's new, but I know, they can't be trusted. Pinpoint monitor will be ordered next payday.

This morning things are looking pretty good. Not 100%, but getting there.

I have learned one thing though....don't keep all of your prized zoas in one tank. I'll start fragging one or two polyps from each group next week.

[Fanof49ASU]

Ahhhh.....back to normal. :smokin: It had me worried for a bit.

http://markfoltz.freeservers.com/Normal.jpg

[aquaman67]

Nice!

[mikemartinez]

wow real nice

[SRT80]

Glad to hear things are back to normal. Nice zoa garden....

Steve

[Fanof49ASU]

Thanks guys.
It's too bad it's soooooo small. I wish my 75g was this full.

[SRT80]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10452005#post10452005 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fanof49ASU
Thanks guys.
It's too bad it's soooooo small. I wish my 75g was this full.

Really? I thought that was just a section of the tank. Pic makes it look bigger I guess? What tank is this?

Steve

[Fanof49ASU]

It's my "1/2 Ten gallon".... 5 gallons.

[gflat65]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10452005#post10452005 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fanof49ASU
Thanks guys.
It's too bad it's soooooo small. I wish my 75g was this full.

I bet the wife is happy it isn't (just another excuse to upgrade:D). Worked for me a few times:).