Experience sharing low pH in tank

[rogersoh]

I would like to share my experience of the tank pH level drop to 7.3 pH when I did some modification to my tank.

I had added a baffle to allow for an overflow system in my 2' x 1' x 1' tank. Put back the sand, and rock from my existing tank to the new tank and let is run with filtration system for a week.

After the tank had stablise, I transfer my fishes (1 Koran Angel, 2 Humbug Damsel and 1 Blue-velvet damsel) + 1 sea urchin ( don't know the species name). 1 to 2 weeks later, the pH level of the tank drop to 7.3 pH, NH4 = 0, NO2 = 0 NO3 between 50 to 100 ppm (not sure the exact value the color of the test shown between 50 & 100 ppm). Note that the tank is operating with 2 external filter only. In the previous tank I had a skimmer operating too, but was damage while I did the modification for my current tank.

Panic, I start to add in reef buffer to increase the pH. I try to increase it not more than 0.2 pH per day. But the level still can't reach to 8.3 pH. The sea urchin is now suffering from the stress. Do partial water change (20%) every 3 days.

I rush to get a new skimmer, make a quick modification of the other tank to make into a sump, a diy overflow pipe. After connecting up the sump, and skimmer I notice the pH level start to increase until now ( about 5 days) the pH reaches 8.1 pH.

IMHO the drop in pH level maybe caused by not enough aeration, led to increase in CO2 level. After I add the protein skimmer there is an increase in the aeration and CO2 is diffuses to the atmosphere thus the acidic of the water reduces and start to go back to normal condition. Hope that the system can manage at that level and my sea urchin can recover from the stress.

I had not test the NO2, NO3 level yet as I need to ask my friend to come to my place to help me see the color of the test result. ( I am partial color blind so can't see the color of the test kit well)

[jervismun]

Very informative Hope all is well... all the best to you bro

[rogersoh]

I hope that the sea urchin can recover. The fishes are feeding and seem ok.