Ph Problem

[PaBucsFan]

So I finally started my saltwater tank. I will be buying the live rock later today or tomorrow. I currently have a 10 gallon tank running with sand and saltwater only so far. I do have problem that I feel I am overlooking the answer too. My pH is currently at 7.4...What can I use safely raise the pH before bringing the LR home and purchasing fish?

 

[-Nemo-]

So I finally started my saltwater tank. I will be buying the live rock later today or tomorrow. I currently have a 10 gallon tank running with sand and saltwater only so far. I do have problem that I feel I am overlooking the answer too. My pH is currently at 7.4...What can I use safely raise the pH before bringing the LR home and purchasing fish?

Generally the combination of sand, LR and salt will raise your pH to a suitable level naturally. What type of sand and what salt brand are you using?

 

[PaBucsFan]

I am using Instant Ocean from Petco and and blend of Nature's Ocean Aragonite and White Sand blend ( 1 of each bag mixed together) from Petco. I know I shouldn't go to Petco for these products but at the time was my only option as my good/great LFS is only open Fri-Sat-Sun.

 

[-Nemo-]

I am using Instant Ocean from Petco and and blend of Nature's Ocean Aragonite and White Sand blend ( 1 of each bag mixed together) from Petco. I know I shouldn't go to Petco for these products but at the time was my only option as my good/great LFS is only open Fri-Sat-Sun.

Petco isn't necessarily a bad place to shop for supplies, if it carries the same companies. Instant Ocean salt is generally a considered a decent salt.

I would add in the Live rock and let the tank cycle. Once the tank has cycled, retest your PH. It may have very well increased.
Also, test your alkalinity (AKA KH).

You can also try pointing a powerhead towards the surface of the water. More oxygen will increase your PH.

 

[PaBucsFan]

Okay. Well I put in approximately 7.2lbs of LR today. If I need to get more I will purchase more next weekend when the LFS is open. I don't like Petco because I live to support my LFS. How long does the cycling usually tank?

 

[-Nemo-]

Okay. Well I put in approximately 7.2lbs of LR today. If I need to get more I will purchase more next weekend when the LFS is open. I don't like Petco because I live to support my LFS. How long does the cycling usually tank?

Different for every tank. If the rock you got is good and cured it shouldn't take long. I'd do a full water test in a few days.

 

[PaBucsFan]

Sounds like a plan. Thank you for the information. I have had freshwater tanks on and off for years and finally decided to go into the salty side. I kinda like that a tank can cycle in days rather than weeks haha. By the way the tank in your signature looks incredible, how long has it taken your to achieve that work of art?

 

[-Nemo-]

Sounds like a plan. Thank you for the information. I have had freshwater tanks on and off for years and finally decided to go into the salty side. I kinda like that a tank can cycle in days rather than weeks haha. By the way the tank in your signature looks incredible, how long has it taken your to achieve that work of art?

Welcome to the saltie side

Thank you, Tank's been going for about 3.5 years now

 

[PaBucsFan]

I'm stuck at work so I was unable to test my pH tonight but I made my girlfriend stick her hand in the icky water as she puts it( she loves to watch my tanks but hates to touch them haha). She claims the reading for pH is 8.2-8.4! So either I mis-tested last night, or the live rock and aragonite sand worked really quickly.

 

[-Nemo-]

I'm stuck at work so I was unable to test my pH tonight but I made my girlfriend stick her hand in the icky water as she puts it( she loves to watch my tanks but hates to touch them haha). She claims the reading for pH is 8.2-8.4! So either I mis-tested last night, or the live rock and aragonite sand worked really quickly.

If it is that high, that's great
Just make sure you check the alkalinity when you can.

 

[PaBucsFan]

I must admit I do not have one of those. I will definitely go out tomorrow before football start and get a test kit.