lights on or off?

[jpb]

Question: I have a 92gal fowlr and ls. It has been cycling since Christmas. I use ro/di water but I can not keep my ph up I have added proper ph 8.2 ph stayed at 8.2-8.3 for a couple of days now it is back down to 7.8. Should I be lighting the tank and if so for how long. I haven't been doing it do to the fact of everything I have read say's that it will grow unwanted algae. but, also I have read that lights help in ph stability.:notsure:

 

[clarkiiclo]

Ok so how old is the tank exactly?
What are your other water parameters?

 

[jpb]

Everything has been great since 12-25-04 when everything was added. parameters are: Sal 1.023, ph 7.8, cal 480, alk 8, nitrite 5.0, amon off the wall 8.0+, nitrates 80

 

[mbrands]

jpb,
I had a similar question with my pH when my tank was cycling. The advice I was given from a posting on here was to not even bother testing my pH until the cycle had completed. I guess something with the spiking of ammonia, then nitrites, will mess with your pH levels.
Good luck!
Mike

 

[clarkiiclo]

Well your tank is cycling for sure. That is why the PH is low.
Also do you have any livestock in the tank?

 

[jpb]

Thanks, Mike.... To answer your ? Clarkiiclo: no fish, no inverts; just lr with lots of life and ls.

 

[jpb]

Anyone on the lights issue?

 

[mbrands]

Sorry, I missed the light question.
I ordered my LR from another online source. Their recommendation was to not turn on my lights while cycling the tank with the LR. This was to reduce the chances of algae growing. I now have my lights on a timer for 10 hours/day.
Again, don't worry about your pH until your other water tests indicate that your cycle is over. You'll just be wasting testing supplies. I also read (on here I believe) that after my cycle was complete, to do a 20-25% water change, test again 48 hours later, then you are finally ready for some cleaners/inverts. I know, its a lot of waiting, but it is worth it!
Good luck!

 

[jpb]

Ok, Thanks MBrands I do appreciate your info. I will be taking it slow. I'm in no hurry, I want to do it right and have a healthy pretty aquarium.