ph spikes

[gwweber]

HMMM Anyone know why the ph in my tank will change during the day. Every day it gets higher till I turn the lights off, then goes back to normal.

[Chad]

Normal process.

 

When photosynthesis is going on, CO2 is used and O2 is released. More O2 and less CO2 in the water means pH goes up. When photosynthesis isn't going on, O2 is used and CO2 is released. More CO2 and less O2 in the water means pH goes down.

[ToddR]

+1

[gwweber]

guess ill change the timers on my fuge and run the light at night

[trockafella]

Normal process.

 

 

 

Why fix normal.?

[Tracy G]

It really depends on how large of a swing. My tank goes from 8.16-8.23 each day with sump light on opposite. I would not worry unless it is extreme.

[LCDRDATA]

Normal process.

 

When photosynthesis is going on, CO2 is used and O2 is released. More O2 and less CO2 in the water means pH goes up. When photosynthesis isn't going on, O2 is used and CO2 is released. More CO2 and less O2 in the water means pH goes down.

 

Absolutely correct. However, if you're seeing large swings you may not have enough buffering capacity in your tank, which is usually a factor of your alk level and the composition of your alk and salt mixes.