Cycling (I know another cycling thread)

[Big_Mclargehuge]

Hey! My first saltwater tank is currently cycling. Fishless cycle. Dosed ammonia. Checking ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates daily. Added Bio Spira the other day. Ammonia and nitrates are going down steadily. Nitrites are still high. I tested my pH today and it is a bit low 7.8. does this typically happen. It wasn't this low when I first checked. Can't remember the exact number. Should I do something to bump it up or leave it be for now. Thanks for any help.

 

[SALTYMOPAR]

Just let be 7.8 is fine. The bacteria that forms to converts ammonia to nitrites is fast forming the bacteria that converts nitrites to nitrates takes a little longer to establish. things that will help speed up growth is tank temp you can bump the temp to 85-87 that will help grow bacteria faster it not necessary.

 

[Big_Mclargehuge]

Just let be 7.8 is fine. The bacteria that forms to converts ammonia to nitrites is fast forming the bacteria that converts nitrites to nitrates takes a little longer to establish. things that will help speed up growth is tank temp you can bump the temp to 85-87 that will help grow bacteria faster it not necessary.

Ok cool. Thanks!

 

[Reef.]

I wouldn’t bother testing your nitrates yet, wait until your nitrites gets to near enough 0, then test, as the test for nitrates is off until the nitrites are 0.

 

[Big_Mclargehuge]

I wouldn’t bother testing your nitrates yet, wait until your nitrites gets to near enough 0, then test, as the test for nitrates is off until the nitrites are 0.

Thanks. Didn't know that

 

[ReefStable Verified Sponsor]

Agreed. Don't worry about Nitrate until Nitrites are 0.
As for PH, that is fine. PH will naturally swing throughout the day and little swings are not something to worry about, especially when cycling. When the time comes, worry about Alk and Calcium (After you have corals) and the PH is usually not a problem.

Worst case, running a tube for fresh air from outside to the skimmer intank will help.