PH during cycling

[jjencek]

I noticed while cycling a new tank (3 days old) that the PH was low. It is only 7.5.

I am not worried. I figured it was part of the process, but I was just wondering why.

 

[bertoni]

There might be a lot of acidic decay byproducts in the water column, and aeration might be a bit subpar with some surface film. I am not sure which would apply to your system, but decay byproducts tend to be acidic.

 

[jjencek]

That makes sense. Thank you for the info.

It is a RED SEA Reefer 170. All that went in so far is some live sand, dry Marco rock, live bacteria and Ammonium Chloride. I have not turned on any lights or the skimmer. There is some limited aeration from the circulating pump.

 

[bertoni]

Okay, that all seems reasonable. I wouldn't worry.