Ph levels in new tank

[TonapahNorth]

Day 3 my Ph dropped to closer to 7.8 ...

and Ammonia looks to be going up (somewhere between 0ppm and 10ppm if I had to guess). Nitrites and nitrates are both 0.
Is the vast drop of Ph normal?
Salinity is steady at 1.027 at 79.8F temp.

Thanks


Tona

When all is said and done, there is too much said than done. - Grandpa

 

[JustinFromAL]

The beneficial bacteria forming in your tank during the cycling process will consume alkalinity, which in turn will cause pH drop. I would suggest a water change soon if possible.

You should start to see those Nitrite's rise soon, what was your ammonia source to start the cycle?

 

[robbrouse]

I would hold off on the water change (unless fish are in there) until your tank has cycled,

 

[mike007]

I wouldn't worry to much about 7.8. You really need to test your alk level and maintain between 7-10 dkh. Also i would not trust the api test kit.

 

[JustinFromAL]

I would hold off on the water change (unless fish are in there) until your tank has cycled,

I've always considered water changes a part of a typical cycle. The goal is to get the tank into equilibrium, restore the alk/ph to closer to it's normal and allow the cycle to complete. It does probably prolong your cycle a bit though.

You're right though, there are a lot more variables involved we do know. Livestock? Was it live rock? Are preserving hitchhikers a concern?

 

[TonapahNorth]

all that's in the tank right now is sand and liverock ... Fiji Pink sand and Live Fiji rock. I used RODI water with Salinity mix reef salt and started this process 4 days ago - Sunday night.
I dont know of any hitchhikers. As to what's going on in the tank, take a look at my pic at the end of my IM38 thread - its just brown looking algea - some of it has strings. Then a few black spots. Quite a few purple spots. I'm think it's diatoms but i'm not sure as I'm a complete newb.

btw, if not the API test, what would you recommend?

Tona

 

[TonapahNorth]

Ph levels went back up to 8.2 tonight .... Ammonia seems to be up but close to 0 and nitrites and nitrates are 0

 

[The_Stig]

Make sure you are testing your PH at the same time every day if your fussing over keeping it level.

 

[TonapahNorth]

Thank you. I was .. but not by design .. I will do so.

 

[TonapahNorth]

I think that was my intention in starting this thread: to determine if "I'm fussing" or if it's normal to have fluctuations of this sort.


Tona

When all is said and done, there is too much said than done. - Grandpa

 

[The_Stig]

Its a little on the low side, but during a cycle I wouldnt worry about it. Let it do its thing and worry about nailing the finer points when you are getting closer to adding livestock.

 

[TonapahNorth]

I wouldn't worry to much about 7.8. You really need to test your alk level and maintain between 7-10 dkh. Also i would not trust the api test kit.

I tested for ***** and giggles - mainly because I've never done it before. This is what I came up with.

Mg - 1300
dKH - 9.25
Ca - 475


Tona

When all is said and done, there is too much said than done. - Grandpa

 

[username]

i wouldnt worry about ph levels, going to cause more stress to try and alter the ph all the time than just let it settle and maintain a value. randy holmes farley did a great write up on finding the cause of low or high ph and how to correct it so it stays at an acceptable level. I run a big ca reactor and thus get to live with low ph, 7.8 day time and 7.6 nightime. i have tried adjusting the ph via kalk powder and it returns to where it likes to be in short order. I monitor my ph via apex and just calibrated the probe (2yr old probe).

consistency is key with a reef tank

 

[TonapahNorth]

i wouldnt worry about ph levels, going to cause more stress to try and alter the ph all the time than just let it settle and maintain a value. randy holmes farley did a great write up on finding the cause of low or high ph and how to correct it so it stays at an acceptable level. I run a big ca reactor and thus get to live with low ph, 7.8 day time and 7.6 nightime. i have tried adjusting the ph via kalk powder and it returns to where it likes to be in short order. I monitor my ph via apex and just calibrated the probe (2yr old probe).

consistency is key with a reef tank

Actually, the Ph levels have gone back up to 8.2. But 0ppm for the rest. No cycling is apparent.

As for testing, what kits are best? What testing tools work best? Easiest? Most accurate?

Thanks for your help.


Tona

When all is said and done, there is too much said than done. - Grandpa

 

[cMan5]

Your test kits are fine.. Just let your tank cycle.. It will take weeks.. Be patient.. Or you'll test yourself to insanity like I think you're already doing

 

[TonapahNorth]

Thanks cMan ... I let it just run it's course for a good while. It cycled and is running great I think. I probably still run tests too often but I am crazy like that.

Check my tank update in Member Tanks Tonapah's IM 38 thread. Let me know what you think.

Tona.

 

[AquamanE]

forget PH. Get the HOLY TRINITY in check. ALK/CA/Mg. this is all you need. Ph has too many variables to worry about.

And to any noobies out there. DO NOT USE PH buffers. This will only mess up the Holy Trinity.

Of course this is after your initial cycle.

 

[cMan5]

The first tank cycle I really don't think you need to worry about your "holy trinity" your salt water mix should have this in place just fine while everything is doing its natural cycle.