Low pH expected during cycling?

mpderksen · 09/23/2013, 10:47 AM

Cycle is officially 1 week old. Test results are from an API kit, so probably just ballpark figures compared to a Hanna....

SG: 1.022 (low, I know....will switch to top off with saltwater instead of RO until it comes up)
Ammonia 1.5
P: 1
Nitrate: 20
Nitrite: 1
KH: 11.5
Ca: 500
pH: 7.8!!

Should I even try to raise the pH at this point? Or wait until the P and N levels drop to zero? If I should have it up at 8.2-8.3, but my KH is fine what would I add? I have Reef Builder and Reef Buffer, but I believe both impact the KH and Ca, which there's no reason to raise at this point, since there is nothing absorbing the minerals at this point.
I do not currently have a Mg test/checker.

Michael

disc1 · 09/23/2013, 11:14 AM

Don't worry with pH during the cycle in period. Alkalinity and pH both tend to be low during that period.

After the cycle is done, then don't worry too much with pH either. If you've got 7.8 or better then just sit back, relax, and enjoy the tank.

09/23/2013, 10:47 AM	#1
mpderksen Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Manteca, CA Posts: 1,853	Low pH expected during cycling? Cycle is officially 1 week old. Test results are from an API kit, so probably just ballpark figures compared to a Hanna.... SG: 1.022 (low, I know....will switch to top off with saltwater instead of RO until it comes up) Ammonia 1.5 P: 1 Nitrate: 20 Nitrite: 1 KH: 11.5 Ca: 500 pH: 7.8!! Should I even try to raise the pH at this point? Or wait until the P and N levels drop to zero? If I should have it up at 8.2-8.3, but my KH is fine what would I add? I have Reef Builder and Reef Buffer, but I believe both impact the KH and Ca, which there's no reason to raise at this point, since there is nothing absorbing the minerals at this point. I do not currently have a Mg test/checker. Michael

09/23/2013, 11:14 AM	#2
disc1 -RT * ln(k) Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Little Rock Posts: 9,705	Don't worry with pH during the cycle in period. Alkalinity and pH both tend to be low during that period. After the cycle is done, then don't worry too much with pH either. If you've got 7.8 or better then just sit back, relax, and enjoy the tank. __________________ David Current Tank: Undergoing reconstruction...