Does Aeration Increase Ph

[FcF]

?

 

[CFC]

Not exactly, but increased aeration drives out CO2 which acidifies water and once the CO2 is driven out the calcium buffers present in the water will stabilise the water back at its true pH value, so it looks the pH has risen though in reality it is the CO2 that was lowering the pH not the aeration raising it.

 

[FcF]

does this mean that pH is different when the lights are on or off as well because of the plants?

 

[CFC]

Yes the pH in a planted aquarium can vary over a 24 hour period, especially if CO2 is being added and is not switched off once the lights go out.

 

[FcF]

thanks CfC.