Got my LR - How am I doin so far?

Hey everybody! Got my 50 lbs of LR from SWF.com today and put it in my 55. Water is cloudy now, from having disturbed the sand, so I'll post pics as soon as it clears up.
I tested the water for everything and I'm a little concerned about my pH though. Results and additional tank / equip specs as follows:
Temp 82
SG 1.024
pH ~ 7.6
dKH 8.6
Ammonia < .5
Nitrites .1
Nitrates ~ 10
55 gal tank
4" southdown DSB
No sump and/or fuge at this time
50 lbs LR
10 lbs base rock
will be adding another 10 - 20 lbs base rock tomorrow
My pH seems a little low, as you can see. I used IO salt with RO/DI water and let the tank run since last Saturday before putting the LR in today. I think it may be lack of circulation / aeration. Right now, all I have on it is an Aquaclear 300 powerfilter (300 gph) on it. I've got 2 Maxijet 1200 powerheads coming in tomorrow. Once I add those (I'll be keeping the power filter on for additional circulation and to run carbon occasionally), total circulation will be 890 gph.
That said, will the additional oxygen and aeration help enough to raise the pH to good levels?
How can I have low pH with good KH?
Oh, and will the LR be ok with the low pH until it goes up?
Broomer? Bang? I know you guys are good w/this stuff.
Thanks!
:)
edit: will be getting protein skimmer in the upcoming weeks.
 

stumpdog

Member
Thank-
I have been having the same trouble as you with my tank. I asked about a dozen questions and got the answers I needed. Check out my thread entitled "A Little Help on PH Again"
HTH-
Jeremy
PS: The rock will be fine.
 
S

slofish

Guest
Have you cured your live rock. If you havent, it may take up to about 2 weeks to get the dead material off the rock.
 
I bought the cured rock from here. Of course there was some die-off which is what I'm cycling my tank with.
Oh, and I added the 2 powerheads today. And on a pH update, the water tested slightly higher today.
I also added about another 15 lbs of base rock.. I believe I have total, now, of 50 lbs LR and about 20 - 25 base.
 

bdhough

Active Member
Thankgod4fish KH is only applicable in maintaining a stable ph. You do have to raise the ph on your own. Once it gets there the kh will help keep it there....
I think :).....
 
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