How to Raise Alkaline pH in Saltwater Aquariums

By scientific definition pH stands for the "potential hydrogen" of a solution. Simply stated, pH is a measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. On a scale of 0 to 14, 7 is a neutral solution with anything above 7 being alkaline and below 7 consider acidic. For saltwater aquariums, most recommendations suggest maintaining the water pH between 8.2 and 8.4. If the water should become more acidic you need to take steps to raise the pH in a saltwater aquarium.

Things You'll Need

  • pH test kit
  • Commercial pH increase
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Instructions

    • 1

      Test the pH level in your aquarium according to the pH test kit manufacturer's instructions.

    • 2

      Add pH increase to the water by precisely following the manufacturer's instruction. For most commercial pH increase products you will only need to add a few drops for each gallon of water in the aquarium. For example, if the aquarium holds 20 gallons and the pH increase instructions indicate to add 4 drops per gallon for the current water pH level, you would add 80 drops of pH increase.

    • 3

      Allow the specified amount of time to pass, as indicated by the pH increase instructions; generally between 15 and 30 minutes.

    • 4

      Retest the water. Repeat the treatment as necessary until the water reaches the proper pH level.