pH question

[CWalters]

Tank is 3 months old (Not including the cycle) I currently only have 2 clowns, pistol shrimp, and CUC in there. No Corals.

Eventually I want to get corals so I am trying to get my parameters where I need them. My pH has been fluctuating between 7.8-7.9.

Is this too low? If so, what is my best bet to raise it up. Opening my window to get fresh air is not an option as it's 35 degrees now.

 

[Toob]

it’s totally fine. Even if you did have corals. A little higher PH is more ideal if you’re growing challenging SPS, but even then lower Ph is not toxic or really harmful..just not ideal. My PH is 7.6-8.0.

Why not add a couple corals? They are part of the ecosystem. My tank is only 4 months old:

 

[WirelessMike]

In my opinion you should be fine. My Ph fluctuates throughout the day depending on the light cycle and refugium. From what I have seen I go between 8.1 and 7.9 and have had no issues. Start with some softies and let it rip!

 

[Quietman]

So I'm going to recommend simplicity here. There are a ton of thoughts on higher pH, how to reach it and maintain it. All of them require additional maintenance and work. If you're just starting out...get some softie, easy lps or easy sps (your preference, but softies are resilient, grow easy, tolerant of missed maintenance more so than others) and have fun. Your pH is fine. At some point, you can look into spending the time and money and maximize this parameter or that, but for now. Just get something to enjoy looking at and increase your experience level at the same time. Good luck!

 

[V A R I A N T]

Many threads on this question, link below:

Search results for query: Raise ph

www.reef2reef.com

Most suggest opening a window, C02 scrubber, add refugium, and what is likely the easiest, dose Kalkwasser on a pump and timer.
Once you add corals and your alk/ca/mag deplete, Kalk might prove the best choice.

 

[CWalters]

So I'm going to recommend simplicity here. There are a ton of thoughts on higher pH, how to reach it and maintain it. All of them require additional maintenance and work. If you're just starting out...get some softie, easy lps or easy sps (your preference, but softies are resilient, grow easy, tolerant of missed maintenance more so than others) and have fun. Your pH is fine. At some point, you can look into spending the time and money and maximize this parameter or that, but for now. Just get something to enjoy looking at and increase your experience level at the same time. Good luck!

Would a hammer be a decent one? Don't want anything too pricy incase of death.

 

[WirelessMike]

I would personally start with more of a leather or zoa. Hammers and Torches have their own set of unique requirements that don’t make them great “out of the gate” corals. There are some really cool soft corals that offer a ton of color and movement to your tank. They are usually cheaper than hammers as well. So if something doesn’t make it the financial loss isn’t as hard to swallow.

 

[CWalters]

I would personally start with more of a leather or zoa. Hammers and Torches have their own set of unique requirements that don’t make them great “out of the gate” corals. There are some really cool soft corals that offer a ton of color and movement to your tank. They are usually cheaper than hammers as well. So if something doesn’t make it the financial loss isn’t as hard to swallow.

I'll look into some Zoa's. Just have to find a spot in my tank so they don't take over all of my rock

 

[nereefpat]

Would a hammer be a decent one? Don't want anything too pricy incase of death.

Yes, as long as it's a branching hammer and not a wall hammer.

Ideally, you would be testing alkalinity and calcium. I wouldn't even track pH, personally.