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CA Reefer · 12-12-2008, 12:56 PM

The normal trend for pH in a saltwater system is downward, or more acidic, which stems from the addition of acids into the aquarium. These acids come from several sources, the primary ones being: (1) excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from respiration caused by lack of sufficient gas exchange, (2) nitric acid from biological filtration (nitrification), and (3) organic acids from metabolic wastes.

Respiration and metabolic wastes are a natural part of the ocean, but the reason that sea water pH does not change is that the water contains a number of chemicals, such as bicarbonate, calcium, carbonate, borate and hydroxide, all of which act as natural "buffers" that retard the drop in pH.

When the pH in a saltwater system starts to drop, it is an indication that the buffers are getting worn out, and the increase in acidity needs to be corrected.

You did mention that you had increased flow which I assume was to improve gas exchange? Do you happen to have glass covers on your tank which could be impeding O2 exchange?

You'll likely need to add buffer to raise your Alk. but I would want to get a read on your calcium levels first. Can you measure your calcium levels and post those?

12-12-2008, 12:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
CA Reefer Midas Blenny Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 101 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Deflating Hammer Coral The normal trend for pH in a saltwater system is downward, or more acidic, which stems from the addition of acids into the aquarium. These acids come from several sources, the primary ones being: (1) excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from respiration caused by lack of sufficient gas exchange, (2) nitric acid from biological filtration (nitrification), and (3) organic acids from metabolic wastes. Respiration and metabolic wastes are a natural part of the ocean, but the reason that sea water pH does not change is that the water contains a number of chemicals, such as bicarbonate, calcium, carbonate, borate and hydroxide, all of which act as natural "buffers" that retard the drop in pH. When the pH in a saltwater system starts to drop, it is an indication that the buffers are getting worn out, and the increase in acidity needs to be corrected. You did mention that you had increased flow which I assume was to improve gas exchange? Do you happen to have glass covers on your tank which could be impeding O2 exchange? You'll likely need to add buffer to raise your Alk. but I would want to get a read on your calcium levels first. Can you measure your calcium levels and post those?