ph problem

[JCS11236]

i noticed that every time i do a water change my ph tends to go down to 8.0-why do you guys think this is so? i use distilled water for top offs and i use naturesocean already mixed saltwater which i have checked to have a ph of 8.3 -

what do you guys think i do? should i just add some buffer everytime i do a water change?

 

[SALTY WATERS]

When you mix the new SW do you check the PH befor you add it and it is 8.3 or are you just going by what the mix says on the bag/bucket?

What is your Alkalinity at in the main tank?

 

[JCS11236]

i check it in the 4.4 gallon bucket it comes in

it is 8.3

 

[SALTY WATERS]

What is your alkalinity at and calcium levels this will affect you buffering capacity?

 

[wayne]

I would look at the alk of the premixed water. Are you aerating it for 24 hours before you're putting it in. Typically the pH of seawater that is 'suddenly' exposed to air will drop as it absorbs atmospheric CO2