cycling 40 gallon test results

[djalex23]

Hey guys. I've been cycling my tank for some weeks now and wanted to post my test results from this morning. I have been getting water testing at LFS but got my API kit yesterday. Also my salinity is at 1.026 is that too high.

 

[rdnelson99]

Looking good. Might drop the salinity just a tad in my opinion. Did you cycle using the shrimp method or pure amonia? If you have some pure amonia (make sure it is pure) dose just a bit. See if the amonia rises then falls, nitrite rises than falls and nitrate rises. If that happens I would say you have cycled and can slowly add fish. I wouldn't add more than two and give it a week or so. Don't add anymore until you see that the am and nitrite stay at 0. You want the BB to have a chance to catch up to the new bioload before you add more. Good luck.

 

[djalex23]

Thanks. What is the best way to Lowe salinity. Also what is the best way to raise Ph a little.

 

[Jlsardina]

They way I lower salinity (according to my LFS) is to take out 5 gallons of saltwater and just add back 5 gallons of rodi water.

You can use a ph buffer to raise your ph.

 

[rdnelson99]

I would start with about a gallon of fresh. You really only need the salinity to come down a bit. For a 40 gal I would think a gallon would bring it down a point or two. When did you take the reading? PH lowers at night and starts to raise when the lights come on. What I see in the picture looks to be just about right. Especially if you took the sample early in the day. I prefer not to dose anything if I can help it. Let the tank find its own happy medium unles it gets way out of line.

 

[slitherbomb]

I wouldn't lower salinity. Natural sea water is about 1.026 SG. I keep my tanks at 1.025- 1.026. Also, don't increase your pH. It's good where it is at.

 

[Ricksreef]

I wouldn't lower salinity. Natural sea water is about 1.026 SG. I keep my tanks at 1.025- 1.026. Also, don't increase your pH. It's good where it is at.

+1,don't lower your sal,what is your alk.?

 

[djalex23]

Thanks everyone for the input. I chckes the readings in the morning. Also when dosing with pure ammonia how much should I put in and how long should I wait to test the water again.

 

[rdnelson99]

Just a few drops should do it. Give it 30 minutes to let it mix throughout the tank and then check it.

 

[djalex23]

OK will do thanks. Its so hard looking at this empty tank LOL.

 

[Jlsardina]

Patience grasshopper! Lol