Started 55 gallon reef

[hardparts2]

Well I got all my equipment a week ago and started my tank up. I added the aragamax sand and got a 4 inch sand bed. Then I Put in 2 seio 620 s and 2 150 watt heaters added ro water and let it run for 1 day. Day 2 I added salt sg is at 1.026 has been sense first day and already topped the tank off 3 times. Ph is about 7.9 I think it should be about 8.2 shouldnt it ? On day 2 I also added coralife super skimmer needle wheel 125 had a problem with micro bubbles but it is not that bad now. Im still having a problem with water level in skimmer not being constant but im working on it.I had to build a new canopy to fit the 440 watts of vho in, its alomost done.How long can I run the tank wiyh just salt water in it? I will be getting 55 lbs of lr in about a week and a half. Oh the temp in the tank stays at 79.6 during the day and 79.4 at night is this good?

Thanks Bob

 

[theevoys]

You can definitely go until you get your live rock. It will probably be best for you to let it run that long so that you can get the sand settled abit, temperature stable, and work out the microbubbles. you could run the tank forever with nothing in it if you want. It would be make for less maintenance. You just may have to clean algae off the glass if you have your lights on regularly.

 

[bigbenji]

Good start, but make sure you mix your saltwater and have it mixing for 24 hours before you do water changes. After you add the rock, you'll have to go through a cycle so get ready to do nothing for a while. Spend this time reading. Ask questions, then read some more.
http://www.reefcentral.com/modules.php?s=&name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=1

 

[mg426]

I say you are on the right track. when you add the live rock your cycle will start. The ph is not the best it could be, but nothing to lose sleep over at this time. Just curious as to what type of salt you are using??? Temp seems fine.

 

[hardparts2]

I used IO Reef Crystals I thought it would have gave me a ph of 8.2.

 

[theevoys]

In regards to your pH, what time of day are you testing it? Typically, the pH is low in the morning and higher in the evening. I think for now maybe test it in the morning and in the evening to see how much 'swing' you may be having. Keep the water circulating and aerating as that helps keep pH up. I remember that once I added my rock, my pH went up to the correct level. It's hard to remember cause that was 2 years ago already!