PH concern

[Vukmir13]

Hello all, I just took did some water testing. For some reason, my curiosity got the best of me and I tested the same aquarium with API's PH test drops and also with API's High Range PH test drops. Apparently, the same aquarium has a PH of 6.4 and 7.8. Which of these is accurate? NYC water is somewhere around 7.2 or so, and I do have Driftwood in the aquarium. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Manny

 

[kewpiefishypewpie]

I would test several more samples before worrying or drawing any conclusions.

 

[ragin_cajun]

my test kit has 2 bottles of solution for pH. My pH is high, so if I use the first bottle, the the measurement is the highest value possible with that pH test . That's how I know to use the "high range" kit. So I run the test again in a new vial, with a new water sample, and read the results -- I get 7.8 usually.

 

[duanes]

A high range pH test is made to accurately test waters with a ph from 7-10.
A low range test is made to accurately test more acidic waters, down from 7 to 3.
The more out of range you use the test for, the less accurate it will be.
If your water is generally around 8, a high range test will be most accurate.
If you use a low range test, and your water is usually 8, you are bound to get inaccurate results on the low range one.
If your water is close to neutral (6-8) you should be using amore general type test,made for neutral water.

 

[joe jaskot]

I bought a liquid pH test kit back in 1978 for $1.29. It still has liquid in it. I don't bother checking the pH and don't worry about it. Basically what I am trying to say is don't get hung up on pH. Trying to constantly adjust the pH will do more harm than good.

 

[Vukmir13]

Hey Joe, thanks for the reply. It is more for my own curiosity, I have no plans of adjusting anything. All my fish are quite healthy and happy and that's all that matters. I ran multiple tests on my tap and aquarium water at hand and it turns out it is a definite 7.8

 

[Pomatomus]

Are you certain it's 7.8? The low end of the kit is 7.4 and it looks very similar to 7.8.

If it is below the testing range it will simply register at the bottom of the testing range.

6.4 sounds way more believable for NYC water unless you add carbonate to the tank or let lots of water evaporate. Here in FL the tap water is 7.6 as the ground has lots of limestone.

 

[Vukmir13]

I ran a ph test on tap water and got 7.8 every time, 7.8 is way darker than the 7.4.