Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello everyone!

I purchased gravel that I'm sure is ph neutral but the dust appears to be holding my ph up (7.8+). I'm currently cycling and having to use a lot of muriatic acid to keep the levels low. My question is will this eventually dissipate or will using acid and allowing it to cycle with the ebb flow grow beds eventually allow it to lower, or will the dust need to be removed from the system to allow it to lower?

Thanks

Welcome. High 7's in a new system is fairly common and I would advise to leave it alone as the nitrification will usually lower it in time as the carbonates are consumed. You will find it will keep bouncing back anyways which will stress fish. High PH is actually preferable whilst cycling.

Just double check there is no limestone in your gravel. Take out a few handfuls, and pour some vinegar on it, if it bubbles, then you'll be in for a hard time.

So I cleaned a section of gravel and it doesn't bubble with muriatic acid. But dirty gravel does so it's definitely the dust. My question is will the dust ever stop affecting the ph so long as it's in or does it eventually need to come out? And if I acidify it enough will the dust be neutralized? From my understanding an acid and a base reduce to a salt, but perhaps it'd take a lot of acid to neutralize the dust?

Like Charlie said I wouldn't bother messing with it in the first year (anywhere between 6-8). Once the system has matured then you may want to look at trying to control it but at the moment there are too many other factors that could be affecting your pH anyhow and there is nothing wrong with the current levels you have... if it ain't broke don't fix it

cool, thanks fellas.