When to start worrying about pH

[gistsc]

I have read in a couple places, not to worry about pH during the cycle. I have been set up for five days now and have no sign of a cycle. NH, NO2, NO3 all still at 0. I decided to test pH today and it is at 7.7. If the tank is not going to cycle should I start looking into pH adjustment. Also knowing the relationship between pH and alkalinity, how do I measure alkalinity?

Thx

Current set-up
29 gal all glass tank
45 lbs live rock
10 lbs shallow sand bed
2x maxi-jet 400
2x maxi-jet 900
2x96w PC lights
150w heater
100 gal rated skimmer
custom built stand and light hood

 

[I am a giraffe]

Alkalinity can be measured by salifert test kits. I personally try to keep PH a litle above 8, so 7.7 may be alright; if desired, drip kalk.

How did you initiate a cycle in your tank? If you used cured live rock there may be very little cycling, and what you have now is what it's going to be.

 

[BONDQ]

Welcome to the hobby.

Regarding Alk, you need to get an Alkalinity test kit. Most folks here seem to prefer Salifert test kits, as do I, so it's easy to recommend those.

With regards to your pH question, you will want to have you pH at the proper measurement for any rock hitchhikers and for the sake of general practice and the well-being of your tank.

Ideal pH is 8.2
Your pH may be low for several reasons and it's advisable for you to read Randy's article on pH for a better understanding of how to address it:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.php

Remember to take your time in adding livestock, going forward.

 

[drummereef]

Get a Salifert alkalinity testkit. Easy to read and use. Target 7-11dkh for alkalinity. If the pH is low, open some windows and let some fresh air in. Depressed pH is usually due to high Co2 levels in the tank. Fresh air or aeration (flow) will help.

Read these -
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.htm
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

 

[reefnetworth]

alkalinity should stay between 7.8-8.5. was the rock uncured? Alk kits are available most places you buy supplies (LFS) local fish store. what is your salinity reading? 1.024 specific gravity or 35 parts per thousand. some tanks will not begin cycling without some sort of bacteria. small amount of fish food will start a cycle without using any live fish or cocktail shrimp, as some people do.
JDM...:smokin:...

 

[gistsc]

The tank was set up with 45 lbs of cured live rock. The SP is at 1.026. The rock was purchased at my LFS, and I was informed that the rock came in from an established tank that was taken down.

 

[gistsc]

Thanks for the help