Schgred
Aquarium Advice Activist
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2013
- Messages
- 148
I have a relatively new 37 gallon reef tank (been cycled for 3 weeks) that I am getting low ph readings of about 7.4 (ph tested by simple dip strips). I plan to pick up the API reef test kit. I realize that there are plenty of opinions about my filtration and lighting but this is what I am able to have for now.
Here is my setup:
37 gallon tank
40 pounds of live rock
Marineland reef capable led
Emperor 280 HOB filter (I plan to put some general filter floss in for mechanical filtration and then add some chemi pure elite)
Seaclone protein skimmer 100
Glass Top
Inhabitants
- 4 hermit crabs
- 1 emerald crab
- 3 nassarius snails
I use instant ocean reef crystals for salt and am now using RO/DI water for water changes. I started with tap water but plan on only using RO/DI from here on out.
Is it common to have a low ph at this stage? I have tried removing part of the glass top to see if that helps. Should I use something like KENT superbuffer dkh or even baking soda? Or can I expect it to increase on its own when I add fish? Any thoughts are helpful! Thanks!
Here is my setup:
37 gallon tank
40 pounds of live rock
Marineland reef capable led
Emperor 280 HOB filter (I plan to put some general filter floss in for mechanical filtration and then add some chemi pure elite)
Seaclone protein skimmer 100
Glass Top
Inhabitants
- 4 hermit crabs
- 1 emerald crab
- 3 nassarius snails
I use instant ocean reef crystals for salt and am now using RO/DI water for water changes. I started with tap water but plan on only using RO/DI from here on out.
Is it common to have a low ph at this stage? I have tried removing part of the glass top to see if that helps. Should I use something like KENT superbuffer dkh or even baking soda? Or can I expect it to increase on its own when I add fish? Any thoughts are helpful! Thanks!