New 75 gal tank setup - need to boost ph

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ryanpal

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Hey Randy,

You and this forum were highly recommended by the seller (tony) of my 75 gal reef tank. Hopefully you can give me some in site :)

I have a new 75gal tank setup which still seems to be cycling a little bit. I have a few zoos and chalices that are doing well,however, the PH seems to be low. I'm using the tetra strips to test the water which read around 7.4ish. I do have some mrs wages pickling lime to increase the ph. Tony recommended I drop you a line to see what you recommend...any info you can provide would be most appreciated.

thanks in advance,
Ryan
 
www.dinkinsaquaticgardens.com
First I would like to Welcome you to R2R. Now on to your question, from what have read in multiple post, the strips are not accurate for saltwater tanks. You might want to get your hands on a master saltwater tester kit for better results. My question to you is.......... Do you have the zoas in the same tank that is currently cycling? When did you start the cycle?
 
yes i have the zoos in the same tank that is cycling. i used dr tims to quicken the cycle period. i started the cycle about 1.5 months ago.
 
Top Shelf Aquatics
the alkalinkity is showing "ideal", it's the same 6-in-1 test kit.
 
Well, I'm not sure what that means in terms of alkalinity, but if it is in the range of 7-11 dKH (which I consider the goal) it is likely that the pH 7.4 is not accurate. :)

Is this test kit intended for marine systems?
 
Nutramar Foods
Randy Holmes-Farley said:
Well, I'm not sure what that means in terms of alkalinity, but if it is in the range of 7-11 dKH (which I consider the goal) it is likely that the pH 7.4 is not accurate. :)

Is this test kit intended for marine systems?
Click to expand...

i have an alk test kit coming in the mail. i'll post back once received.

yes this test kit is intended for marine aquariums.

is there any way i can start dosing safely (slowly) in case the PH is that low?
 
i mean to say start dosing safely while i wait for the test kit?
 
The pH is not that low (I've literally read many thousands of posts about pH and what people experience, and a reading like yours is never real in a reef tank with adequate alkalinity and aeration), and there is NOTHING you should ever dose to correct pH if alkalinity is OK.

All additives to boost pH are alkalinity additives. So what you do is use high pH alkalinity additivey WHEN (and only when) a kit tells you you need alkalinity. :)

I can believe pH is on the low side (say, pH 7.7-8.1) and if you get a number for the alkalinity measurement, we can determine how to proceed. :)
 
Last edited:
randy, thank you very much for your replies. i'll post back as soon as i have the kit and the water is tested.
 
I would get a more accurate PH test and if still low I would add some macro algae.
your tank is still cycling and during that time a low pH is common.
It will rise as the cycle completes.
my .02
 
i currently have a fuge with some chaeto in it. i also ordered the salifert brand test kit. i'm told them and elos are some of the most reputable.
 
Nutramar Foods
hey guys. quick update for you. i received the salifert test kit...it was a little confusing at first but on third try it seems im at 9dkh
 
Nutramar Foods

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