Balancing Parameters

[paulgriffin971]

So long time reader, short time poster. Usually search, post, read to find my answer and move on like everyone else. Red Sea 625xxl running for 4 months now. Aqua max C3 skimmer. Gyre wave maker, and jaebo 10k. No UV, no reactors, etc. want to just run a softy tank. Maxspect razor x 300watt at 60% blues, 25% red/whites 9am to 7pm with one hr ramp at start/stop.
Here’s my questions:

1) what is the easiest way to maintain proper PH? My PH fluctuates from 8.1 at noon, to 7.5 at 10pm. Right now, I’m dosing Seachem fusion 1&2, but PH still fluctuates beyond what I would think is high/low in a given day.

2) How do I lower NitRITES? I’ve added about five bottles of turbo start over the course of 3 months, and still my nitrites are running in the 1 to 2ppm range. NitrATES are 10ppm, and ammonia is around 0. Seems my cycle is getting stuck. Fish and inverts seem perfectly happy.

thanks for the help

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Welcome!

I'd ignore nitrite. It is no concern in a reef aquarium (unlike fresh water).

The Reef Fusion is not a way to control pH. Are you monitoring alkalinity?

How are you measuring pH?

 

[paulgriffin971]

Monitor ph with both an apex probe(calibrated) and Hannah checker. Yes, I monitor alkalinity is right at 8.5- 9 and stays stable.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The pH 7.5, if real, is a concern (IMO), and I'd look to raise it.

This describes some options:

pH And The Reef Aquarium
http://www.reefedition.com/ph-and-the-reef-aquarium/

 

[Reef.]

You are cycled, it isn’t stuck.

10ppm nitrates is very reasonable.

I would stop adding bacteria as you are cycled.

 

[Reef.]

Make sure you have ripples on the water surface, this helps ph and also make sure the room is getting fresh air, these 2 things don’t sound like much but can make a real difference.