Low PH at just the right SG??

[nocpan]

Got a prob, I wasn't testing my water for a while, PH wise, i test my water sg every day, and today it turned to be 7.8

the sg is 1.022, no ammonia, i recently put a frash charcoal bag into one of the aqua clears, i have a 20gal running with a fluval 200, and Aqua clear 10 and 30 sides by side, got 2 damsels, 1 1.5 inch spotted puffer, and algy gammy.

Fish seem ok, they eat swim and go about their bussiness, water got little cloudy lately but its clearing, but what's wrong with the PH, i tested the SG like4 times thinking i didn't clean the hydrometer right.

for my fresh tanks i use crushed coral to up the ph if it gets low, can i use it here as well??

 

[fraservet]

what substrate do you use, and what kind of salt?

the pH should be buffered by the chemicals in the salt. also if you use coral sand as a substrate it will do the same job.

I wouldn't panic too much if the fish seem ok.
check the pH again, if it's an old test kit it may not be accurate so check the best before and think about getting a new one.

 

[nocpan]

if by substrate you mean bottom layer i use simple pebbles, i have crushed coral but don't use it, i use instant ocean salt, mix it in a tank that is cycling separately all the time and then pour it in when it cycles to right sg level.

wateris still cloudy

 

[fraservet]

I would recommend replacing the pebbles with your crushed coral, this will buffer the pH.
The cloudy water is probably a separate problem - possibly an algal or bacterial bloom.
Make sure you are not over feeding, and that your filtration is adequate.
If the cloudiness is green - reduce your lighting for a bit, and do regular water changes as well.