Live rock cycling and pH level

CloruroDiSodio · 04/25/2009, 07:35 PM

Hi gang,

My live rock has been going for about 3 days now. Before I added it to the tank the saltwater (Instant Ocean) was aged for about a week. The pH stayed stable at 8.15. After adding the rock it dropped to about 7.96 to 8.0 or so. I did a small water change and starting adding some B Ionic (the two part alkalinity and Ca system). Two questions, is a pH of 8.0 ok if I don't plan on having corals? Also the B Ionic will keep the pH more stable correct?

thanks

Sisterlimonpot · 04/25/2009, 07:49 PM

What are your alk and calcium readings?

CloruroDiSodio · 04/25/2009, 08:21 PM

Uh-oh. I'm not actually monitoring them. The LFS I got the live rock from said to use the B ionic 1 ml for every4 gallongs every other day. These guys have actually been at this location for a long time and have some really nice stuff so I thought it would be ok to just listen to him. Is dosing without monitoring bad? Isn't the B Ionic just a buffer?

the great · 04/25/2009, 09:36 PM

The more things that will use up the calc. the more B-Ionic you will have to use.

PRDubois · 04/25/2009, 09:39 PM

use baked baking soda to raise your PH

Mopar Reefer · 04/25/2009, 09:39 PM

You always want to test for what your dosing. IMO never supplement anything you cant test for.

Michael · 04/26/2009, 01:54 AM

firstly a ph of 8 is fine, secondly stop dosing now, theres no need at this point for dosing, let the tank cycle and stabilise then if test results show your low in alk and calcium, firstly check you magnesium level, and if its ok then you need to consider 2 options, 1 changing to a salt with better levels or 2 dosing, your a while away from this decision yet, get stable and keep testing

CloruroDiSodio · 04/26/2009, 05:07 PM

Hi guys,

Thank you for all of the replies. I actually went out and got alkalinity and calcium test kits as I was typing my email yesterday. Our alkalinity is at 3.5 meq/L and Calcium about 380 ppm so it looks like both are within range. I only added one dose of B ionic so I think we're good. Michael, I'll just wait like you have suggested. I just wasn't sure before if 7.95 - 8.0 pH was too low. I was under the impression that pH should be 8.2 - 8.4 or so.

04/25/2009, 07:35 PM	#1
CloruroDiSodio Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New York Posts: 597	Live rock cycling and pH level Hi gang, My live rock has been going for about 3 days now. Before I added it to the tank the saltwater (Instant Ocean) was aged for about a week. The pH stayed stable at 8.15. After adding the rock it dropped to about 7.96 to 8.0 or so. I did a small water change and starting adding some B Ionic (the two part alkalinity and Ca system). Two questions, is a pH of 8.0 ok if I don't plan on having corals? Also the B Ionic will keep the pH more stable correct? thanks

04/25/2009, 07:49 PM	#2
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	What are your alk and calcium readings? __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

04/25/2009, 09:36 PM	#4
the great Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Elyria, Ohio Posts: 134	The more things that will use up the calc. the more B-Ionic you will have to use. __________________ Snozzwangers? Vermicious Knids? What kind of rubbish is that? Violet, you're turning violet, Violet! Current Tank Info: 55gal, reef tank. ; (2) 150w Metal Halide, HOB Octopus Skimmer, Percula Clown

04/25/2009, 09:39 PM	#5
PRDubois Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chester, VA Posts: 3,626	use baked baking soda to raise your PH __________________ http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2534403 Current Tank Info: 225 gal Reef, 60 gal reef & 40b frag tank

04/26/2009, 01:54 AM	#7
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	firstly a ph of 8 is fine, secondly stop dosing now, theres no need at this point for dosing, let the tank cycle and stabilise then if test results show your low in alk and calcium, firstly check you magnesium level, and if its ok then you need to consider 2 options, 1 changing to a salt with better levels or 2 dosing, your a while away from this decision yet, get stable and keep testing __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

04/25/2009, 08:21 PM	#3
CloruroDiSodio Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New York Posts: 597	Uh-oh. I'm not actually monitoring them. The LFS I got the live rock from said to use the B ionic 1 ml for every4 gallongs every other day. These guys have actually been at this location for a long time and have some really nice stuff so I thought it would be ok to just listen to him. Is dosing without monitoring bad? Isn't the B Ionic just a buffer?

04/25/2009, 09:39 PM	#6
Mopar Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Fort Walton Beach Posts: 465	You always want to test for what your dosing. IMO never supplement anything you cant test for.

04/26/2009, 05:07 PM	#8
CloruroDiSodio Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New York Posts: 597	Hi guys, Thank you for all of the replies. I actually went out and got alkalinity and calcium test kits as I was typing my email yesterday. Our alkalinity is at 3.5 meq/L and Calcium about 380 ppm so it looks like both are within range. I only added one dose of B ionic so I think we're good. Michael, I'll just wait like you have suggested. I just wasn't sure before if 7.95 - 8.0 pH was too low. I was under the impression that pH should be 8.2 - 8.4 or so.