Pre-coral pH, Alk and Ca adjustment

[stuyorkshire]

My tank (100l) is nearing a stage where I want to think about adding coral. The tank will be SPS dominated. I have a handful of small fish and inverts and expect not to increase this number by more than two or three.
I'm planning on using Zelements two-part (pH plus), but with my Alk at 6, pH at 7.8 and Ca at 370 I need to shift these (slowly) first. Other params are as expected and I am over feeding slightly to build NO3 and PO4.
The Zelements manual says to adjust dosage based on Alk usage, but currently I have no usage (~0.01 units per day if that). Any recommendations for a starting point?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'd do a small boost of alk and calcium and you are otherwise good to go. Don't try to mess with pH at this point. pH 7.8 is OK and it can rise as you gain more photosynthetic organisms.

 

[stuyorkshire]

Thanks Randy, gives me confidence to move forwards!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You're welcome.

Happy Reefing!

 

[exnisstech]

Just to reinforce not worrying about pH for now. This is my acro tank which I've recently started monitoring pH with a Milwaukee monitor. I started monitoring out of curiosity not because of any concerns. pH runs low of 7.8 dipping to 7.6 on occasion. My peak is 8.2 and never higher. Coral have no problem at those levels.