How to increase my ph

[Aggro]

Hey all so my tank is currently cycling and I’m on day 3. I haven’t got the algae bloom yet and I know I shouldn’t be chasing numbers.
So here is my question. I’m trying to raise my ph levels in the tank closer to the desired 8.2-8.4 range. It’s currently at 7.9 when I checked yesterday.
my end goal for tank is to have 3-5 fish some coral and a couple anemone

my tests are as follows
Salinity 1.023
Ph 7.9
Ammonia .25
Nitrite 0.0
Nitrate 5-10

these tests were done yesterday 5/4/2020

now about my setup. Biocube 32g all stock, I have added a power head to increase flow and surface agitation. In the middle chamber of sump I was filtering with the carbon that came with tank. Today I switched it out and I’m now running at the top filter floss and on the bottom bioballs to house bacteria. I purchased the rock used and they said it has been out of the tank dry for over 6 months. I purchased 20# of wet live sand. I sprayed the rocks before putting them in tank.
Here is tank.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Chasing PH isn't anything most reefers, including myself do. We do focus on the big three, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium.

On the other hand, ways to help PH without chemical adjustments such as "PH buffers", (they will throw your water chemistry way out of wack) opening windows to lower CO2 levels in the air, using a airline attached from the outside of the house to your skimmer air intake helps, use of a CO2 scrubber. (soda lime in line with your skimmer air intake)

Other than that, having PH at 7.8 -7.9 is perfectly fine.

 

[Aggro]

Chasing PH isn't anything most reefers, including myself do. We do focus on the big three, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium.

On the other hand, ways to help PH without chemical adjustments such as "PH buffers", (they will throw your water chemistry way out of wack) opening windows to lower CO2 levels in the air, using a airline attached from the outside of the house to your skimmer air intake helps, use of a CO2 scrubber. (soda lime in line with your skimmer air intake)

Other than that, having PH at 7.8 -7.9 is perfectly fine.

Everything I’ve researched so far said good range is 7.8-8.4 and I’m not running any skimmers as of right now. I’ve also read that ph is the one that’s a pain to deal with and chase if you’re a number chaser lol. I’m in no hurry to chase that 8.35 either was just curious if there was an easy way to increase slightly. I’ve opened the feeding hatch on the hood to allow some air in. The only ventilation the hood gets is the fan for the lights. So I’ll just keep on keepin on since everything good so far.

is there anything I should take into consideration while the tank is cycling? And should I be dozing or adding an ammonia source to see if I can clear the ammoniain a 24 hr period?

 

[Flippers4pups]

If your still cycling, adding some bottled bacteria will help.

Your numbers look good, but only day three into a cycle, I question if the numbers are accurate. If you have dosed bacteria, then I could say otherwise.

What brand of test kits are you using?

During the cycle I wouldn't run any lights. No need for them now.

 

[Aggro]

If your still cycling, adding some bottled bacteria will help.

Your numbers look good, but only day three into a cycle, I question if the numbers are accurate. If you have dosed bacteria, then I could say otherwise.

What brand of test kits are you using?

During the cycle I wouldn't run any lights. No need for them now.

im using the api drop test of course saltwater master kit. I did use biospira for new tank as well as the pack that came with the sand I don’t recall what it was but I think magnifier or something. As far as dosing any other chemicals I’m staying away from trying let it naturally get their without me interfering.

 

[mike550]

@Aggro welcome to R2R! I really like your approach of trying to let things go on naturally as long as you can. Trust me it will get complicated at some point. But I’m the same way. I like to get a “feel” for the tank.

Just a couple of thoughts but I’m definitely not an expert. I started with the API test kit as well, and my pH started around 8.0. Couple of thoughts. First, API kits don’t seem to be super accurate. But they’re a good starting point. Second, pH can be affected by levels of CO2 in the room (crazy but true) and alkalinity. Personally, I‘d start off with alkalinity. What salt are you using? Since you don’t have an Alk test yet, some salts will tell you the alkalinity they have when mixed.

 

[Aggro]

I’m using Coralife bagged salt. Ya it is nuts that just co2 in a room effects it hat much and something as small as opening a window helps.
I’m going to be running all the tests again today just to see what’s chNged since taking the carbon out and replacing with filter floss.

 

[mike550]

Don't know that salt, but from LiveAquaria website it says that your salt mixes around:

Specific Gravity: 1.021-1.023
pH: 8.2 to 8.3
Calcium: 390 to 410 ppm
Magnesium: 1,110 to 1.250 ppm

Interestingly, I can't seem to find what the alkalinity of this salt is. Good luck!

 

[Aggro]

I just checked the bags and I’m not seeing it either. Maybe I’ll just spring for the Hannah alkaline test in the next week or so

 

[Aggro]

@mike550 so after having my media switched out for 24 hrs and not running any tests yesterday I decided to run some today. My ph actually can up to 8-8.1. Ammonia and nitrite were 0 and my nitrate lowered to in between 0-5 from 5-10. Never got any algae blooms or whatnot going to get some frozen mysis to add a source of ammonia and see if it will clear up in 24 hrs. Is it safe to say if it does my tank is good to go?

 

[Leslie Tabor]

Welcome to the addiction! Your ph will fluctuate all the time. When the lights are on it will increase, when lights are off it will decrease. If there is more Co2 in the air it will drop, if there is good air circulation so lots of well oxygenated air, it will increase. Don't make yourself crazy. A good protein. Skimmer, set properly will help. As will making sure you have surface agitation from your powerheads.

 

[mike550]

@mike550 so after having my media switched out for 24 hrs and not running any tests yesterday I decided to run some today. My ph actually can up to 8-8.1. Ammonia and nitrite were 0 and my nitrate lowered to in between 0-5 from 5-10. Never got any algae blooms or whatnot going to get some frozen mysis to add a source of ammonia and see if it will clear up in 24 hrs. Is it safe to say if it does my tank is good to go?

Sounds like your tank is stable. Fingers crossed for you and welcome to reefing! My biggest suggestion is to take your time. Nothing good happens quickly in a tank. Enjoy!