new 60 gal. Few Questions?

[Tomchong22]

This is my 60 gal tank. currently i am about 2 weeks into the cycle and everything is going ok but i do have a few questions. i am using test strips(plan on getting the api test kit next week). my ph is around 8.4-8.8 a little high but my alk is extremely low. between 0-40ppm. does anybody know what would cause this? also i have some macro algae in the sump, but it seams that the ends of it are turning white like it is diying. i have a 90 watt 1350 lumen, 3200k halogen light over the sump.
here are some pics of my tank:

 

[Jason7894561230]

Dont know the problem just wanted to say awesome tank!

 

[Tomchong22]

Thanks. All the rock were hand made except the top ones. And the sump is a diy. It was a blast getting everything going.