eatsomepopcorn

What can I do to manage PH level that drops each week in a fish only saltwater aquarium. I am looking for general advice. I use marine buffer, but I am trying to correct the root problem rather than address the symptom. This is a small tank (44 gallons) with about 8lbs of live rock, 30lbs of live sand, fluval canister 305, Powerhead pointing up and breaking surface of water, as well as fluval return. I have 1 clown fish (2 inches), 1 valentini puffer less than 2 inches, 1 baby picaso (less than 2 inches), 1 lunar wrass (3 inches), one fairly large snail. I have an aquaripure denitrator running as well. The PH drops about .2 every 3 days.

las4444

I have battled the same topic in the past. I have found a few things that work for me.

1. Don't try to keep your tank super clean on the inside. A little algae here and there is not all that bad.

2. Watch how much you are feeding your fish. Consistency is key to the bio system.

3. Have a routine lighting schedule.

4. Avoid medications, algae removers etc.

5. Change your water more often. I do six gallons a week on a 75 gallon FOWLR. For the record, I have no detectable nitrite or nitrate. This plan is for the fish and helps control the Ph. It is not always saltwater in the change either. Most of the time it is RO/DI water. This depends on the SG you desire. Good RO/DI water has a PH around 9.0. Once saltwater mix is dissolved it's around 8.1.

I can run my tank with a PH of 8.1 - 8.3 and only add one tablespoon of buffer a month on average. Hope this help. Remember, some of the items above may have nothing to do with PH. However, this routine is what overall works for me.

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Tank: 75 Gallon Reef, 20 gallon wet/dry, Quiet1One 4000 pump, 250 watt heater, Milwaukee PH monitor, Coralife 125 skimmer, Coralife 260 watt light.

Fish: Golden Wrasse, Sailfin Tang, Convict Gobbie, Tomato Clown, and Foxface Rabbit, CCStar, BTA, Colt coral and a cleanup crew including a camel shrimp.