Tank parameters (2nd week of cycling)

[OneArmedBandit]

On 12/29 I started cycling my tank, it is a 20 gal with 20 lbs of Argonite substrate and about 35 lbs of LR. I’ve been testing all the parameters daily and as of today (1/5) all of my readings are as follows:

Nitrite: 0 (down from 1 on 12/31)
Nitrate: 0 (down from 20 on 12/31)
Ammonia: 0 (down from 1 on 12/31)
pH: 7.8
Salinity: Been holding steady at 1.021 from the get go
Temp: 78 F

One question I have is where should my pH be and how can I adjust it if need be? I’m looking to be FOWLR (all reef safe fish) for a while then transition to a reef setup (keeping the fish) in the future.

I haven’t had an algae bloom yet so I guess I’m just waiting for that to happen. I initially began to cycle with a raw shrimp but took it out as it was getting pretty nasty. I am in absolutely NO HURRY to add any livestock but after I have the algae bloom die down and get all the tank parameters in order, when can I start adding things like a CUC, inverts and such? Thanks for all your help. -Steve

[MichaelRyanSd]

your ph is fine...but could be a little higher.....

[snorvich]

I would raise your salinity to 1.025. What are you measuring it with?

[Roy G. Biv]

You dont need to test daily. The full cycle is right about 6 weeks. The safe pH range is 7.5 - 8.5. SG 1.021 is a little too low right now. 1.024-1.025 is better.

Also.. Keep the shrimp in there. It is supposed to rot to create the ammonia you need for the cycle.

[OneArmedBandit]

Testing salinity with a Deep Six Hydrometer (looking to get a Refractometer in the near future).

How do I raise my pH?

[Chef Reef]

8.2 PH i say is perfect

[OneArmedBandit]

Today I raised the salinity to 1.025 and returned a shrimp to the cycle. Still need to know how to raise the pH... Thanks. -Steve

[Tommy3492]

try a PH buffer, one that not only raises Ph but maintains it...

[mudskipper1]

I use aragamilk to keep ph, calcium, magnesium, strontium in the right place