PH fluctuations

[ezjp]

Hello to all. I have just recently downsized from a 55 gallon reef w/ LS, and 80 lbs LR to a 37 gallon high w/LS and 20 lbs LR. The 55 gallon was running for 1 year and no problems. No coral in 55, two blue damsels, 1 clarki clown, 2 serpent sea stars and hermit crabs. Nothing exciting in the 55 due to not having the proper lighting. I purchased the 37 gallon tank and new LS. Swapped over approx.20 gallons of water from the 55. Used Ro water to top off the 37. Tank has been running for 2 weeks now with 1 purple tip anemone 2 three stripe damsels, 1 clarki clown, banded coral shrimp, 10-20 hermit crabs and 2 serpent sea stars. My water paramaters have been, PH fluctuating from 7.8-8.3. Nitrite 0, nitrate 10.
Is it possible the PH is fluctuating because the tank is cycling. Also over the weekend I added the anemone and the shrimp and both are doing fine at the moment. The 37 gallon has a Current orbit light fixture installed if that helps any.

 

[bang guy]

Hi!
In my opinion you have too much too soon in your tank. The PH isn't much of a problem but it's far too soon to be so fully stocked. Taking rock from your existing system helps speed up the process a whole lot but 2 weeks is pretty quick. Of your livestock the Anemone would be at the greatest risk from unstable conditions.
Are you registering any Ammonia? If so you might want to hold off on any feeding until is goes back to zero and then return to feeding very slowly.
If you take stocking slower you'll have a better chance of success.
A few other tests will help:
Alkalinity
Calcium
Phosphate
Typically extra water changes will help a lot in your situation.
What kind of water flow do you have in the tank?

 

[ezjp]

I have two powerheads in the tank both mounted on the back glass. I also tested alk and calcium and so far so good. Phosphates were .1. I am registering a small amount of ammonia. I should of mentioned that before. I also have the two returns from the sump creating water movement. Thanks for your reply.

 

[bang guy]

Monitor that Ammonia closely. Even twice a day. It's an indication of the health level of your tank. A healthy mature tank will never register any ammonia. If it's not going down over time then you may need to put some livestock up for adoption.

 

[ezjp]

Thanks again I will continue to monitor. Your info is helpful.

 

[ezjp]

I have learned a valuable lesson The anemone looked like it was turning itself inside out. Looks like it is shrinking up. I feel bad for him but again I learned. Thanks again. I will post a pic later on tonight.

 

[reefraff]

Originally posted by ezjp
I have learned a valuable lesson The anemone looked like it was turning itself inside out. Looks like it is shrinking up. I feel bad for him but again I learned. Thanks again. I will post a pic later on tonight.
If you know someone with an established tank give the anemone to them. You might luck out and save it. Really should wait six months for them to go in a new tank.