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pH hell
O.K. Now that we are on water quality topics, I wonder if someone can tell
me what is really going on here. I discovered, after having experienced a
massive hair algae bloom, that the buffer I was adding to my water contained
phosphate. So, over the past two weeks I have been adding phosphate- and
nitrate-free acid/base buffer to my de-ionized water. (Yes, I tested it.
This situation is creating anal retentiveness!)
I was hoping that with 30% weekly water changes the phosphate would
gradually decrease, and hence the algae growth, and I would be able to
maintain the pH at the usual 6.8. But nooooooo.
I leave the change water in the tub overnight. It keeps a stable 6.6. Then
I add it to the tank which is at 6.8. I did not concern myself unduly, or
so I believed. Well, holy smokes the pH went up to 8.5!!!!! Since that
heart attack, I have been gradually adding acid buffer to bring it down and
stabilize it. But it has been a struggle.
So, what gives? Is the phosphate binding up the acid and permitting the
alkaline buffer to have full reign or what?
Sleepless in Toronto
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