Ph, salinity?

[nemo2]

I am just curious about my PH. It is only 7.8. I have read that it needs to be between 8.0 and 8.5. Also my Salinity is at 34 ppt. Is that okay. My tank has been running for two weeks. It is a 29 g bio-cube. I have 25 lbs of LR, live sand and regular sand. I want to know if my PH is okay, and if not how do I raise it. My Ammonia is 0 and my nitrite is less than .25 ppm. Any other advice?

 

[dlauber]

Wont your PH go up a bit if you add salt?
even if it doesnt, it still wouldnt hurt to up your salinity to 35-36 ppt

 

[jpc763]

Welcome to the boards!
Your tank appears to be cycling. I would not add any chemicals while it is cycling. I assume that if your Nitrite is now 0.25, that you have already had an ammonia spike.
Once you get the cycle complete, then look at the pH. If you still have to get it up (7.8 is low), you can add a buffer like https://www.saltwaterfish.com/site_11...ot_parent_id=6
By the way, I am in Fort Collins!
John

 

[cprdnick]

Originally Posted by nemo2
I have 25 lbs of LR, live sand and regular sand.
What do you mean regular sand? Calcium Carbonate based?

 

[nemo2]

It is aragonite i believe??

 

[nemo2]

Great to hear of someone nearby, John! Thanks for the great advice! What is the best way to add more salt to my tank?

 

[stdreb27]

Don't add salt directly to your tank!!! Mix your SW a little higher then do a water change. What kind of sand do you have? Usually if you have argonite that will act as a buffer to your water and get your PH right within a few hours. Personally I wouldn't add any salt. If you have a folwr tank 34 ppt is fine.