Welcome to Koi Forum. Is this your first visit? Register
Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: Rising pH

  1. #1

    Rising pH

    Hi! I recently tested my pond pH to find it at 8.7 which is higher than I'm comfortable with. I slowly lowered it to around 8 using vinager but it seems to be rising slowly again. KH remains between 5-6 dH (89-107ppm).

    Does anyone have any ideas how to keep the pH lower?

    Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Tapatalk


    //Kevin

  2. #2
    Have you any exposed cement or limestone type rocks or do you use clay? If you haven't, the first thing I would check is the accuracy of your pH test. What method are you using? What is the pH of your source water after it has been aerated overnight?

  3. Thanks lee63, Keveke, freddyboy Thanked / Liked this Post
  4. #3
    Thanks for the answer! I use a electric handheld pH meter for daily use and a drop test for pond I sometimes use. My tapwater is at 7.5 straight out the tap. I don't use clay but I have a lot of coping stones gathered from my yard that I should probably test with some stronger acid. The pH seems to have since stabilized around 8.3 but I have bought a continuous pH meter to keep an eye on it.

    Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Tapatalk
    //Kevin

  5. Thanks freddyboy Thanked / Liked this Post
  6. #4
    Two things Kev,

    Firstly, the probes of all pH meters drift in accuracy over time. Cheaper meters have probes that drift more than the probes of more expensive meters. You can make a calibration standard by adding a spoonful of sodium bicarbonate to a cupful of freshly boiled water and allowing it to cool.

    To check the accuracy of a pH meter dip the meter (or probe if the meter has a
    separate probe) into this solution and stir it around in the same way that you would stir tea. It should fairly quickly settle at a reading of 8.4 pH. If it is inaccurate you can either allow for any small inaccuracy in future readings or you can use the solution to recalibrate meters that only have a single calibration screw. (You should follow the manufacturers calibration procedure if the meter has buttons to calibrate it or if it has two calibration screws). If the meter takes a long time to settle, the probe has exceeded its life and should be changed if possible or the meter should be replaced if the probe cannot be changed.

    Secondly, the pH of water fresh from the tap will be lowered by the presence of chlorine or chloramine so you should dechlorinate and aerate the water overnight before measuring the pH. Your pH reading of 7.5 fresh from the tap would probably be closer to about 8 (ish) after the chlorine has been removed.



  7. Thanks Andy1671, Feline Thanked / Liked this Post
 

 

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:52 PM. Online Koi Mag Forum
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3
Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.

vBulletin Improved By vBFoster® (Lite Version), © UltimateScheme, Ltd.