ph problem answer quick please!

Victoria · 09-04-2008, 02:46 AM

Help! I have a ph problem. My ph has been running on the low side (so I thought) My ca and alk just dropped to low and I have precipatation happening right now. so I calabrated my probe and now with the right reading I have very High ph. That explaines my problem. Now how is the most safe way to lower it fast? I was thinking add some vinegar. Help would be great.

**CarmieJo** · 09-04-2008, 03:01 AM

How high is if? Vinegar is acetic acid and will lower the pH. Let me look if there are dosing instructions.

Victoria · 09-04-2008, 03:06 AM

8.7-8.8 And the water has a slight cloudness. I'm kicking my self

**CarmieJo** · 09-04-2008, 03:14 AM

That is not outrageous. The cloudiness is from the precipitate. I would add 15 mils and see what happens after.

Victoria · 09-04-2008, 03:19 AM

ok will let you know. remember I have a 120 gal now

Victoria · 09-04-2008, 03:24 AM

It did drop it to 8.6 I will wait a bit longer and see if it holds. I think I would be ok if it droped to at least 8.5 as the light are out now. And it should drop over night anyway. No wonder I have had to clean all my pumps so much lately. I just have so much going on it caught me off gaurd.

**CarmieJo** · 09-04-2008, 08:17 AM

That's good!

Victoria · 09-04-2008, 02:57 PM

Ok Prams are in the good zone now. I did do what you said Carmie. I added 15ml of distilled white vinegar at 1/2 intervolts till I got the ph to 8.5. I knew the ph would drop alittle over night. It did, its now at 8.3 with the lighs on. I will now start to increase my alk and ca. I will also do a 20% water change with balanced water to help. Thanks again Carmie I really didn't expect someone to be awake on the eastcoast that late. But a quick answer helped my tank. Carmie you are Great!!!

bbl_nk · 09-04-2008, 10:05 PM

Sneaking off for a midnight snack and a few quick TR posts Carmie?!?!?!

I'm sure there is a 12-step program out there for us!

Skurvey Dog · 09-04-2008, 10:17 PM

Yeah, it's the TR virus AND taking care of loose ends to get on a flight to MACNA! You go girl. She'll probably grab Dick's laptop and zone in Friday night for a quick peek.

Just CJO being CJO! Gotta love it.

Victoria · 09-04-2008, 11:09 PM

Its ok with me!!!!

**CarmieJo** · 09-05-2008, 12:00 AM

Victoria, I am so glad that your pH is back where it belongs. I am glad that I could help.

Truth be told I am a night owl! But I have to go to bed earlier tonight or I might as well stay up. Flight departs at 7 AM, you are supposed to be there an hour ahead of time and even that early I have at least a 40 min drive to the airport.