Does anyone know what this is?

[Ogi]

the red worm/ algae looking things

also what should my alkalinity be?

temp 78f
specific gravity 1.0223
ph 8
alk 14kh
ammonia 1
nitrite and nitrate 0
12gallon tank

tank is roughly a week old, how am i doing?

 

[Dkuhlmann]

-Alk should be half or a bit more than half of what yours is 7-9 . Why is it so high? What do you plan on keeping in your tank?

Your tank is only a week old and not cycled yet. The only things you need to worry about are ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Do you understand the nitrogen cycle?

 

[Ogi]

Yes I know my tank is cycling and of the cycle, I just tested my water and got those results, the alk was low and ph so I added it to stabilise the ph and raise it but I used less than recommended so it surprised me how high it was, I was more curious to if it will do any damage, I worded my question poorly. I also understand it will lower over time, I plan on keeping some mushrooms and a yellow watchman goby with pistol shrimp.

 

[Ron Reefman]

It look kind of like a reddish algae that may have been cleaned off the rock and is starting to grow back? Your tank is only a week old, so where did the rock come from? A store? A friend? The ocean?

I'd just let the high alk level come down as you do some water changes over the next month. And don't chase a pH level. It isn't that important as stability. As your tank cycles and then matures (which can take 6-12 months) the pH will stabilize around 7.8 to 8.2.

 

[Ogi]

I bought it from a local Marine fish pet store I have two in my area which get live rock from the same source, the next closest store would be nearly 2 hours away. Thank you for your advice

 

[Dkuhlmann]

While your tank is cycling don't dose anything just let it go. For most of what you will keep if not all, there should be no need for dosing anything as water changes will take care of that for you..

 

[Marchillo]

I agree. I wouldn't add anything at this point. You are currently most concerned with ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate. Also salinity could be higher 1.024 to 1.026. I don't think it's bad to get into the habit of testing other things but it shouldn't be your focus.

Edit: I think you are doing a great job. Keep asking questions and be patient.

 

[gone fishin]

If you add pH buffer to increase your pH it will only temporarily raise the pH but will increase the alkalinity. at this stage of the game I would not worry much about pH. Later get your alkalinity, calcium and magnesium in line and the pH will be what it is. pH is a concern when using a calcium reactor. Good luck just my 2 cents.

FWIW the last time I checked my pH was about 4 years ago.