Help me with chemistry, learning while tank cycles.

[lougotzz]

Ok, I currently have a 20 gallon tank set up with sand and water. I have cured live rock coming around next week sometime. My SG is at 1.025, and my PH is at 8.0. Idk why it isnt at 8.2, maybe someone could help me with that.
The real reason for this thread though is to start gathering info on reef tanks. After the tank is cycled and up (approx a month) I will add fish, than hold off until I feel it is time for corals. In the time the tank is cycling, I would like to get all info I can on corals, and unfortunatly, the way I have to learn is through trial and error This is just the way I am, I need to do something first hand to get an idea of what I am doing. Can anyone give me detailed articles about corals and all the different elements I need to understand about keeping a succesful reef tank? I will be using and elos e-lite. I do know mixing SPS and LPS corals can be a hard task, especially in a tank smaller like mine. So I will stay away from that. Maybe some recomendations for starterr corals? If anyone can give me some good solid advice that I can use to build my experience on, I would really appreciate that.
Thank you. Lou.

 

[HighlandReefer]

Reef Aquarium Water Parameters
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.htm

What is seawater
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-11/rhf/index.php

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 1: The Salt Water Itself
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/rhf/index.php

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 2: What Chemicals Must be Supplemented
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php

The "How To" Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 3: pH
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-05/rhf/index.php

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners,
Part 4: What Chemicals May Detrimentally Accumulate
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-09/rhf/index.php

 

[HighlandReefer]

As far as your low pH problem, it is likely due to higher levels of CO2 in your home.

Low pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm

 

[lougotzz]

As far as the PH goes, it says as long as my alkalinity and calcium are up, a lower PH, as low as 7.8 is fine. My calcium is at 420 PPM, as far as alkalinity, I have to get a test kit for that. If my PH stayed at 8.0 and my calcium at 420 PPM, and if my alkalinity is as low as 2.5 meq/L, is that ok to leave the PH where it is?

 

[HighlandReefer]

A pH between 7.8 - 8.5 is acceptable. My pH runs between 7.9 - 8.0 while using kalk, which is helpful.

 

[GDMNC]

What type of substrate are you using? Depending, it could help buffer your pH up or down slightly. 8.0 isn't bad. Until ammonia, and nitrates are 0. I wouldn't worry about your pH.

 

[lougotzz]

I will be using sand as substrate. What exactly is kalk? Thanks!

 

[HighlandReefer]

What Your Grandmother Never Told You About Lime
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.htm

 

[lougotzz]

I am really liking these little links you are sending me, they are helping me out a lot, and are very informative, thanks a bunch!

 

[HighlandReefer]

Your welcome.

If you have questions after reading the articles, please feel free to ask away.