How to Increase the PH of a Marine Aquarium

Marine aquariums operate best with a pH measuring between 8.0 and 8.4. This keeps the seawater on the alkaline side. Often, the marine life in an aquarium, the amount of light and other factors, such as alkalinity, cause the pH level to drop below the optimal measurement. In this instance, you should raise the pH level in your marine aquarium to maintain the livestock.

Things You'll Need

  • Baking soda
  • Dechlorinated water
  • Alkalinity supplement
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Instructions

    • 1

      Change the water in your marine aquarium. This helps remove the acid from the water and raise the pH.

    • 2

      Add baking soda and water to your tank if you have cleaned it and the pH level still drops. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1 cup of dechlorniated water. Add the mixture slowly, over one to two hours.

    • 3

      Raise the alkalinity in your marine aquarium if it is low. Alkalinity below 2.5 meq/L often causes the pH to drop, according to the article "Chemistry and the Aquarium" by Randy Holmes-Farley in the "Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine."

    • 4

      Use a carbonate alkalinity supplement, available from your pet store. Add it as directed by the manufacturer. Pick one that does not contain a large quantity of borate.