Thank you Reef Central

pccustomcool · 09/04/2013, 08:13 PM

Hey everyone
I wanted to start a thread to say thank you to everyone who has posted on Reef Central over time that gave me all the answers I needed, to set up a new 75 gallon reef build. Thank you very much!
Since I'm here, I will also ask a question I'm sure the answer is here somewhere, but why not?
Ammonia-0, No2-0, No3-0 but my Ph won't move off 8.0, Ideally I believe it should be at 8.2-8.4, so, is mine high enough or should I let the cycle go longer? Also, should I do my first water change before corals and fish, or after they've been in a few weeks?

Thank you!

Spyderturbo007 · 09/05/2013, 06:44 AM

What test kit are you using for pH? If it's something like the API, I've found them notoriously difficult to read and they aren't the most accurate thing in the world. In an ideal world, your pH would run that high, but mine rarely makes it to that level. In my limited experience, pH is one of those parameters that just "comes along for the ride". It's not something you want to chase or even give a second thought to unless it really becomes out of line. Mine typically runs between 7.8 - 8.1 with an occasional spike to around 8.25 when I have my windows open.

Once your cycle is complete, you can go ahead and do a water change. I jumped right on my current schedule of 20% every 2 weeks, but I'm reconsidering that right now. I think that 10% each week would provide more stable water chemistry for my corals. But either way should be fine.

MrsBugmaster · 09/05/2013, 06:47 AM

Did you put a piece of shrimp or something in tank to start a cycle? Did you monitor the cycle and see Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrates go up and then down to zero? If so then you should be good to add a fish or two. But go slow, don't add too many all at one time. I usually add one or two and wait a month before adding more. As long as ph is stable I would not worry about it too much right now. If you are adding corals you will need to test your cal, mag, alk also. They are important or corals.

pkirby · 09/05/2013, 07:36 AM

don't worry about PH too much... if it drops down around 7.6 or lower I'd be concerned... my tank typically runs at 7.8 and I have no issues out of any of my corals (SPS/LPS/zoanthids)

pccustomcool · 09/05/2013, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spyderturbo007

What test kit are you using for pH? If it's something like the API, I've found them notoriously difficult to read and they aren't the most accurate thing in the world. In an ideal world, your pH would run that high, but mine rarely makes it to that level. In my limited experience, pH is one of those parameters that just "comes along for the ride". It's not something you want to chase or even give a second thought to unless it really becomes out of line. Mine typically runs between 7.8 - 8.1 with an occasional spike to around 8.25 when I have my windows open.

Once your cycle is complete, you can go ahead and do a water change. I jumped right on my current schedule of 20% every 2 weeks, but I'm reconsidering that right now. I think that 10% each week would provide more stable water chemistry for my corals. But either way should be fine.

Thank you for the advise. Good to know I don't have to stress too much over the Ph. And yes, I was planning on 10% every week.
Thanks again!

pccustomcool · 09/05/2013, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsBugmaster

Did you put a piece of shrimp or something in tank to start a cycle? Did you monitor the cycle and see Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrates go up and then down to zero? If so then you should be good to add a fish or two. But go slow, don't add too many all at one time. I usually add one or two and wait a month before adding more. As long as ph is stable I would not worry about it too much right now. If you are adding corals you will need to test your cal, mag, alk also. They are important or corals.

I didn't put shrimp, but I used biochem for 2 weeks now, and about 7 pounds of live rock with my 60 pounds of dry rock. I do plan on getting test kits for parameters for corals as well.
Thanks

pccustomcool · 09/05/2013, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkirby

don't worry about PH too much... if it drops down around 7.6 or lower I'd be concerned... my tank typically runs at 7.8 and I have no issues out of any of my corals (SPS/LPS/zoanthids)

Thanks pkirby!

09/04/2013, 08:13 PM	#1
pccustomcool Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 4	Thank you Reef Central Hey everyone I wanted to start a thread to say thank you to everyone who has posted on Reef Central over time that gave me all the answers I needed, to set up a new 75 gallon reef build. Thank you very much! Since I'm here, I will also ask a question I'm sure the answer is here somewhere, but why not? Ammonia-0, No2-0, No3-0 but my Ph won't move off 8.0, Ideally I believe it should be at 8.2-8.4, so, is mine high enough or should I let the cycle go longer? Also, should I do my first water change before corals and fish, or after they've been in a few weeks? Thank you!

09/05/2013, 06:44 AM	#2
Spyderturbo007 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: PA Posts: 2,564	What test kit are you using for pH? If it's something like the API, I've found them notoriously difficult to read and they aren't the most accurate thing in the world. In an ideal world, your pH would run that high, but mine rarely makes it to that level. In my limited experience, pH is one of those parameters that just "comes along for the ride". It's not something you want to chase or even give a second thought to unless it really becomes out of line. Mine typically runs between 7.8 - 8.1 with an occasional spike to around 8.25 when I have my windows open. Once your cycle is complete, you can go ahead and do a water change. I jumped right on my current schedule of 20% every 2 weeks, but I'm reconsidering that right now. I think that 10% each week would provide more stable water chemistry for my corals. But either way should be fine.

09/05/2013, 06:47 AM	#3
MrsBugmaster Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 182	Did you put a piece of shrimp or something in tank to start a cycle? Did you monitor the cycle and see Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrates go up and then down to zero? If so then you should be good to add a fish or two. But go slow, don't add too many all at one time. I usually add one or two and wait a month before adding more. As long as ph is stable I would not worry about it too much right now. If you are adding corals you will need to test your cal, mag, alk also. They are important or corals.

09/05/2013, 07:36 AM	#4
pkirby Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 408	don't worry about PH too much... if it drops down around 7.6 or lower I'd be concerned... my tank typically runs at 7.8 and I have no issues out of any of my corals (SPS/LPS/zoanthids)