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I have been adding Kalk ( at a rate of 1 qt. a night) to my tank now for about 2 months. It has helped balance my Alk & Ca. At last nights reading:
Ca: 410
Alk: 8.48 dkH (3.03 meq/L)
Mg: 1230
I think that's pretty good. However, my pH is still below my target of 8.4. At night, the pH will go to 8.0. If I forget to drip kalk, it will go to 7.9. During the day, it will go to 8.1. Since my Alk/Ca/Mg are reasonably balanced, I'm guessing some other factor is the cause of my low pH situation. At first guess, maybe because I'm not running a skimmer (I'm saving for a Remora). It could also be excess CO2 in the room. Opening a window is not an option mainly because there are no windows in the room, just sliding glass doors. Also, here in NJ, summers can get hot so windows are shut for AC, and winters can get cold. I have one powerhead in the tank located about 2-3 inches below the surface. My Aquaclear 300 HOB provides some movement at the surface but obviously not enough. Should I add another PH to the tank right at the surface? Can I aerate the water with an airstone placed somewhere? Here's a stretch, what about placing a houseplant on top of my canopy. Plants consume CO2 don't they? Any advice?
Ca: 410
Alk: 8.48 dkH (3.03 meq/L)
Mg: 1230
I think that's pretty good. However, my pH is still below my target of 8.4. At night, the pH will go to 8.0. If I forget to drip kalk, it will go to 7.9. During the day, it will go to 8.1. Since my Alk/Ca/Mg are reasonably balanced, I'm guessing some other factor is the cause of my low pH situation. At first guess, maybe because I'm not running a skimmer (I'm saving for a Remora). It could also be excess CO2 in the room. Opening a window is not an option mainly because there are no windows in the room, just sliding glass doors. Also, here in NJ, summers can get hot so windows are shut for AC, and winters can get cold. I have one powerhead in the tank located about 2-3 inches below the surface. My Aquaclear 300 HOB provides some movement at the surface but obviously not enough. Should I add another PH to the tank right at the surface? Can I aerate the water with an airstone placed somewhere? Here's a stretch, what about placing a houseplant on top of my canopy. Plants consume CO2 don't they? Any advice?