saltwater ph

Hey there

I normally use coralife saltmix in my saltwater tank, my lfs stopped carrying it and I can't find it anymore so I switched brand to H2 Ocean. This is from what the coral store told me is better for corals ( I have 5 tiny frags atm) Anyway I was mixing it up and checked the PH of the newly mixed and the PH of my current tank. My tank is currently at 8 ph and the mix is at 8.4. I am doing a 10 gallon water change in a 55 g...

Will the new Ph hurt my fish? It also has more of the "good stuff" for corals...I hope this won't hurt my fishies!! I asked the coral place if it would. He told me it was a better salt than the coral life mix and that it was better for corals and as for fish they are not picky.

Any thoughts on the ph change? Or anyone have experience with this salt. I have a 5 g pail of this stuff and it will be what I will keep using.

 

How long did you mix it before testing pH? And is the salinity the same as the tank?

Generally speaking, you should mix for 24 hours, then test. This allows for CO2/O2 equilibrium.

I don't think the pH difference will cause a problem. It's only 10G, and it's on the higher side of your current reading.

I wouldn't change more than 10G at a time. The tank will slowly 'convert' so to speak. Just be sure the salinity is the same

EDIT: Do you have a sump, or will you be pouring straight into the tank? If pouring in, try not to pour it over your corals.

 

I mixed it last night, and yes I tested the salinity and it is the same as the tank at 1.023. I will be pouring it right into the tank I elevate the bucket and use a clean water changer vacuum so that it does not dump everywhere, I will avoid the corals.
In your tank how often do you do a water change. Usually I do 5 gallon a week, sometimes 5 g 2 times a week. The more fish and corals I add I do more. Friday I am getting a gold headed sleeper goby..so excited! Every payday I add a fishy! My Christmas fish is my final addition ..a six line wrasse!

As always Ryan I appreciate your time and advise, it has been vital to my tanks success! Thank you

 

I change ~10% every Sunday. Haven't seen any need to do more. For me, it is more to replace consumed elements (Ca, Mg, Alk, trace) than nutrient removal.

Glad your tank is doing well

 

Also just a reminder and disregard my 2 cents if it doesn't matter but sometimes you might get different PH readings through out the day. You might get lower PH readings in the day time compared to night time when the lights go off. Generally PH is higher at night time when the lights go off.

 

Also just a reminder and disregard my 2 cents if it doesn't matter but sometimes you might get different PH readings through out the day. You might get lower PH readings in the day time compared to night time when the lights go off. Generally PH is higher at night time when the lights go off.

To the best of my knowledge, this doesn't affect SW. The pH swings you refer to are typically a result of photosynthesis in plants, where CO2 concentrations vary throughout the photo period.

That said, I've never tested day/night readings on my reef.

 

I have tested first thing in the morning and sometimes do readings at night and my ph has never fluctuated based on the day or night, it has always been at 8