My tank is on the tail end of the cycle. LR went in on Wednesday (11/17).
On 11/19 I tested the following:
PH: 8.0
Alk: 9.6
Ca: 420
Ammo 0
Nitrite: .1 (This has been consistant for a week or so)
Nitrate: 2
On 11/21 I tested the following:
PH: 8.0
Alk: 9.0
Ca: 360
Ammo: 0
Nitrite: .1
Nitrate: 3
From what I understand I need to get my Ca up to 450-500 and my alk should get closer to 8 (is the falling Alk going to lower my already borderline low PH? Most of the tank has tap with Instant Ocean, 20% water change with the premix from the LFS. Since they sell only IO from what I can see my best guess is that they are using it too?).
I know these things are all tied together but I'm not sure how much I can bring up the Ca without having to do major adjustments to Alk. What's the best way to get the PH up without bringing up the Alk any higher? What readings do you generally shoot for on your Ca/Alk/PH?
TIA,
Phyllis
On 11/19 I tested the following:
PH: 8.0
Alk: 9.6
Ca: 420
Ammo 0
Nitrite: .1 (This has been consistant for a week or so)
Nitrate: 2
On 11/21 I tested the following:
PH: 8.0
Alk: 9.0
Ca: 360
Ammo: 0
Nitrite: .1
Nitrate: 3
From what I understand I need to get my Ca up to 450-500 and my alk should get closer to 8 (is the falling Alk going to lower my already borderline low PH? Most of the tank has tap with Instant Ocean, 20% water change with the premix from the LFS. Since they sell only IO from what I can see my best guess is that they are using it too?).
I know these things are all tied together but I'm not sure how much I can bring up the Ca without having to do major adjustments to Alk. What's the best way to get the PH up without bringing up the Alk any higher? What readings do you generally shoot for on your Ca/Alk/PH?
TIA,
Phyllis