PH 6.8 during cycle this normal?

[an411]

Checked my PH and its at 6.8 is this normal for it being low during a cycle?

It could be that my checker is not calibrated correctly but I am pretty sure that it is.

If this is not normal what is a good way to raise my PH I read that baking soda will help is this true?

[XSiVE]

what are your other levels at currently?

[an411]

ammonia .25
nitrites 2
nitrates 4

[an411]

This is all I have been checking so far

[theatrus]

What are you using to check your pH? What is your salinity? A pH of 6.8 during a salt water cycle is extremely low and not at all correct. You're shooting for 7.8-8.2 (preferably 8.0-8.2).

[an411]

salinity is 1.026 using a refractometer
P.H. I am using a hanna digital checker

[an411]

maybe it was not calibrated right is there anything that I can use to try and recalibrate it since I used the buffer solution already?

[bertoni]

I suspect either electrical inteference or a calibration problem. Have you tested a cup of water away from the tank?

Various companies sell calibration solutions. I use the Oakton one-shot pouches. This article lists some good options:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-02/rhf/index.htm