ph question

[joe healey]

Hi, first thing is I am a long way from setup still but had a question on ph from my well water. I understand that the well water has (or may have) high co2 content which will lower the ph and it should come up with airation and other factors thrown in. I also tested a sample of distilled water and got the same reading 7.4 . My question is, starting at 7.4 well water and given the other factors such as salt (IO Mix) live sand rocks skimmer running and such during the cycle is the 7.4 too low to start with or will it come up close to what is needed and recommended and then tweak it? or am I beginning to worry too soon. I want to start off the right way in this.

Joe

So far
75g tank
aquac ev150
dual satelite pc
will be diy 20-30g sump/refuge
still need more stuff, but as the saying goes nothing good hapens fast

[Paintbug]

you are starting to worry to soon :D. when you add the salt, that should buffer the water to 8.0-8.4. idealy you want 8.2 but 7.8-8.5. heres an article on water parameters for ya to go over
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

[bertoni]

You might want to consider a RO-DI filter, though. The pH is likely to be fine, but the well water might have compounds, etc, in it that won't be good for your tank.

[joe healey]

Thanks for the suggestions and input, I figured I was worrying too soon and also had an RO in mind too. It was suggested to mix up a gallon or so of water and then test and was told it would probably raise the ph. I will try that.
thanks

Joe