PH keeps dropping (day 3 of fishless cycling)

[fishnooblet]

This is my first saltwater tank. Started with Dr. Tim’s One and Only. Everything seems to be going well except my PH keeps getting lower. Based on API test kit, it started around 8.5, then yesterday 8, now it’s coming in around 7.5. I have turned on my protien skimmer today as I read that can help. Beyond that I’m at a loss on what to do and don’t what to use the PH boosting agents and would rather fix the problem.

 

[Jay Hemdal]

This is my first saltwater tank. Started with Dr. Tim’s One and Only. Everything seems to be going well except my PH keeps getting lower. Based on API test kit, it started around 8.5, then yesterday 8, now it’s coming in around 7.5. I have turned on my protien skimmer today as I read that can help. Beyond that I’m at a loss on what to do and don’t what to use the PH boosting agents and would rather fix the problem.

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Are you using ammonia additions?

Jay

 

[fishnooblet]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Are you using ammonia additions?

Jay

I have been. I’m using the Dr. Tim’s ammonia drops…following the directions from their website, I have dosed ammonia twice now. Currently it reads .5 now down from 2 yesterday. No nitrites and 10 nitrates.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Cycling reduces alk and pH. Don't focus on pH until well after cycling.

 

[fishnooblet]

I’ll stop panic google searching then! Thanks for the reply.

 

[jda]

Leave that skimmer on all of the time for gas exchange. Have a loved on hide that pH test kit from you for a few months. Even after the first part of the cycle is getting established your pH still might be low since won't have any living things to help with the photosynthetic bumb, which can be about .2 in most tanks.

 

[fishnooblet]

Leave that skimmer on all of the time for gas exchange. Have a loved on hide that pH test kit from you for a few months. Even after the first part of the cycle is getting established your pH still might be low since won't have any living things to help with the photosynthetic bumb, which can be about .2 in most tanks.

Yea i definitely feel over teched and under educated. But those forums are helping in that regard.