new tank - low kh.

[seanbugeja]

hi all,

just got my first reading looks like my reef tank is half way through its cycle

Ph - 8.3
nitrite - 0.2
nitrate - above 50
kh - 6dkh
amonia - 0

im a bit worried about my kh as it seems on the low side...how can i raise it? thanks

 

[thegrun]

I wouldn't worry at all about it until the cycle is complete. Once the cycle is done and you make a major water change if it is still low I would use one of the two Randy's recipes depending upon your pH. Search for Randy's two part for instructions but both are basically baking powder.

 

[seanbugeja]

thanks a lot.....so i shouldn't waterchange during the cycle? and what percentage should i change once the cycle is complete? thanks

 

[Dkuhlmann]

Correct, wait until the cycle is over for a week or so then do a water change to lower your nitrates. If your ammonia is now 0 and you have nitrites I would only test the nitrates until they're at 0 then test all three again. Ammonia, nitrites and nitrates before doing your WC.

 

[disc1]

I would only test the nitrates until they're at 0

I think you meant nitrite here.

+1 to waiting for the cycle to be over before you worry about alk. At that point, baking soda is a great way to raise alkalinity.

 

[thegrun]

I wouldn't worry at all about it until the cycle is complete. Once the cycle is done and you make a major water change if it is still low I would use one of the two Randy's recipes depending upon your pH. Search for Randy's two part for instructions but both are basically baking powder.

EEKS!!! Please note use Baking Soda, NOT Baking Powder, my bad!

 

[seanbugeja]

Thanks a lot guys ur great

 

[Dkuhlmann]

I think you meant nitrite here.

+1 to waiting for the cycle to be over before you worry about alk. At that point, baking soda is a great way to raise alkalinity.

Yes sir, I did! Thanks for catching it.