Help please! I am lost

[squidworth]

I have a 75 gallon cycling right now with nothing but sand in it. I took the shrimp out a few days ago. I have been testing and writing down my results. My kh/alk is slowly raising in numbers. First test 2 weeks ago it was at alk 3.43 dkh of 9.6 and ph of 8.1.
Now it is at alk 3.89 and 10.9dkh with a ph of 8.3. I have salifert kits. I have a bottle of salefert KH+PH buffer. Is this what I would add to bring these numbers DOWN if they continue to go up.
I am really confused about this one? <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" />

 

[chrismilano]

Maybe Im missing something, but I think the reason you're not getting a response is that I dont know what the heck you're talking about. Your ph is 8.1. Thats good.
Your cycle process is ammonia spike, nitrite spike, nitrate growth. My 70 gallon cycle took 8 weeks, but 4-6 is more normal.
How long has your cycle been going on? Im not sure what alkalinity has to do with your cycle, you should only be concerned with amm + Ni.
Sorry if you're talking about something totally different...

 

[saltwaterdave]

Squid my friend....I am not sure what u are talking about either.but u need to slow down and let NATURE take it's course in your tank....don't do the dead shrimp thing...I just don't agree with it...Start adding lr and u could get a few damsels ( some people on this board hate that)...but then later u could trade the damsels in...but the lr would help out alot with your cycle...give it time .....give it time....it will come around..but I would highly recommend some lr...I added my damsels after the initial *spikes* did'nt want to kill the fish for no reason...relax and be patient!!!!

 

[heavenly damsel]

I ussed LR and chromis. Damsels are such a problem to catch after your rock is in place. The chromis are less aggressove and can be left in after the cycle is finished. Also, added bonus is that they are a schooling fish...I like that.

 

[kris]

Any ph/kh buffer product will raise those numbers. I would not be concerned at all with your kh really, and your ph is perfect at 8.3. Leave it alone now for a while-other than checking your other stuff like ammo and such. Check the ph again once a week, if it falling, THEN use the buffer. Hope this helps.
Good Luck

 

[squidworth]

I would like to know how to get my alk down, and why is it climbing?

 

[kris]

If your still adding the buffer thats why it's still rising-otherwise check your water supply. You can bring it down slowly by adding some carbonated water (non-flavored of couse). A little at a time over a few days, but really unless it gets way out of control I wouldn't be very concerned with it.