Question
My tank is extremely stable and has been running solidly with no problems for about 2 years now but I noticed that my pH has always seemed to be consistently high:
All other readings are as the community would expect, virtually no ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, calcium is good, salinity good, regular water changes.
It just seems odd ...
I wonder if this is the reason that in the past I haven't been able to put certain forms of life in the tank.
I had issues with anemones mostly (3 died in the past causing serious havoc when they did).
Should I be concerned about this?
Answer
No need to worry. pH is affected by an almost immeasurable amount of factors. Something as benign as turning on a ceiling fan can measurably alter the pH on a tank due to CO2 concentration in the air or degassing in the tank.
Just an example on my main reef tank:
On the 21st, we turned the air conditioner back on and you can see the average pH go up just from that.
I would definitely re-calibrate the probe if it hasn't been in a year or two.
But realistically, pH is more of a long distance measurement and isn't extremely important in day to day care. The exception is if you were directly dosing CO2 for a planted tank or a calcium reactor in which you would want to keep close track of ph so you don't mess up the tank.
Answered By - Jestep