MaddieLynn

I've tested our tap water to see what the pH is, and I'm really confused. On the normal test it comes out as a 7.6, but I know that it could mean it's higher than 7.6 and it's just not showing. So, I also tested with the high range pH, and the results are confusing. The water is purple, but not the same kind of purple as the 8.4-8.8 is on the match card. It's got too much of a pinkish tint to it. I'm using the API master test kit, and when I hold it to the card it's the exact same color as the 2 in Nitrites is on the nitrite card. I've tried it several tiems, and from several different locations in our house, and it's always the same confusin shade.

So, what is my pH? I don't think there's ANY way it's as high as 8.4-8.8 just straight from the tap, is there?

AlyeskaGirl

That really is confusing. It may very well be 8.4ish. That happend to me except my PH right out of tap is acidic, like yellow 6.0, but I've been adjusting it just a tad bit and I tested it after and it came out blue 7.6. Then I tested it with the high range to make sure and it came out as 7.4.

Hopefully someone else with a better judgement will come along soon.

MaddieLynn

Does anyone know for sure?

sirdarksol

I don't know. I do know that I've had issues with using the API pH testers, and I've gone out and bought a separate, wide-range test kit (I have high-pH water) from another company (sorry don't remember which brand, though).

lew2000

In testing tap water right out of the tap: (section on C02)

[url="http://www.skepticalaquarist.com/docs/water/co2ph.shtml"]http://www.skepticalaquarist.com/docs/water/co2ph.shtml[/URL

CO2 alters pH reading. When i test - i get a large glass of water that has been thoroughly cleaned. I let it sit for a day/24 hours before i test. I don't stir it or shake it. When i test right out of the tap versus 24hours later my pH results are different. From reading numerous articles and fishkeeping sites, depending upon, municipality water pressure, and mixture out of the tap (highly areated by the diffuser at the end of the tap or without a diffuser). I let it sit so that imo the tap water has outgassed (C02)). This gives consistent readings for me.