Linkage between sudden drop in ph and why my beer is flat?

[Joshbd]

So,

I woke up this morning to my ACIII reading a ph of 7.7 and dropping, which was very alarming because the tank usually hovers between 8.2 and 8.4. I ran the normal gambit of test (alk of 10, cal 440), and recalibrated the probes. By this time, the ACIII was reading a ph of about 7.5-7.6, which seemed just crazy to me. As I rushed about to find the issue, I noticed that my kegerator, which sits about 6 ft from my tank was making a funny noise and the external CO2 tank was all frozen over. So, I immediately shut off the gas, and made sure everything was tight. After it thawed out, I turned the CO2 back on and checked again for leaks (everything seemed good). Also, by this time, the ACIII was showing that ph was a more reasonable 7.9.

So, my question is this, could a CO2 leak 6ft away from the tank really get absorbed by the water and cause such a drastic drop in ph? It seems a little weird but I have no other explanation! Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. On the plus side, there doesn't seem to have been any harm to the fish or corals...

Thanks,

Josh

 

[Flame Angel]

Do not quote me, but I thought CO2 made ph drop?

Is your sump near the CO2 tank? I think CO2 has a tendency to stay low to the ground.

Wait for someone else to chime in.

 

[newenglandreef]

I'd say conservatively definitely. Ambient CO2 has a huge affect on the tank's PH. Many people run a line from outside in the winter to deal with a closed up house.

 

[Joshbd]

Interesting stuff, thanks. I generally understand the relationship between CO2 and decline in ph, I'm just shocked how drastic even ambient levels can change things. I have the house buttoned up pretty well for the winter, so probably not much air exchange which would help explain it. Lesson learned!

 

[newenglandreef]

You could open a couple windows to air it out a little, get some oxygen in. Pretty warm out.

 

[Overlook reef]

I'd say conservatively definitely. Ambient CO2 has a huge affect on the tank's PH. Many people run a line from outside in the winter to deal with a closed up house.

+1

I believe it would definitely have caused your PH drop.