Reducing + Rising Ph, and Lowering Ammonia, Nitrate, and Nitrite

[SomeoneFISHy]

Hello fellow Reefers! I am new to this forum, an relatively new to Saltwater. I have a 15 gallon nano tank, during the 2nd week of cycling. I am testing the waters, and I have a Ph of 8.0

I don't know what the other tests will behold, but I want to ready myself just in case. How do Reduce/Rise Ph, and Lower Ammonia, Nitrate, and Nitrite Levels?

Bonus! - What types of Slugs, Stars, Urchins, and any other uncommon inverts can I have, that aren't difficult to take care of?

 

[RobZilla04]

Welcome!

Test for Ammonia and Nitrite. Once both are zero you technically have a cycled tank, but you are still far from a diverse fully developed bacteria population. You may even see several stages of ugly algae blooms as the system works toward becoming stable. The pH is what is - 7.8-8.2 is a good range. Anything within that range is not worth trying to manipulate unless you know what you are doing. Fresh air and surface agitation will help to raise pH. Avoid buffers as they will effect the Alkalinity causing you to swing high/low.

As for inverts, really any sort of "clean up crew" will do. Everyone has their favorites but a mix of snail and crabs (maybe two or three of each for a 15).

 

[brandon429]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-microbiology-of-reef-tank-cycling.214618/

30 min read
Change your cycle approach forever

 

[SPR1968]

Hi there and welcome to R2R

Your pH is fine and it’s one of those things you don’t want to mess around with unless you have a very good reason and understand what your doing.

Here are a couple of guides you may find useful, and if you get bored of waiting to cycle your tank, throw some ATM Colony or something similar in, and your tank will be cycled instantly. We are in 2019.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/

And anything else you need to know just ask

 

[SomeoneFISHy]

Hmm, Instant Cycle you say... Tell me more please!

Could I fit a brittle star in my Aquarium.

Thanks so much! I am very excited to get the tank up and running with fish, anemone, and corals! If there are any fish, CUC members, anemones, or corals you would recommend, please tell me in a reply, Thanks!