pH buffers

i test both morning and night and the pH seems to be the same at both points, at least for now. thanks for the advice I guess i will continue to ride out the new tank process and just watch it for now. should i continue to add buffer or leave it be?

 

I would leave it be PghSteeler

Reef Buffer influences Alkalinity and you do not want that off the charts (7 - 11 is ideal)
especially as you are considering corals in the future

 

using the API kit when using buffer my alk climbs to 14-18 depending how much I use. After a few days of leaving it be it drops back to 11-12 although I am not sure how since I do not have any corals or much coralline yet to eat up alk

 

some of it is being depleted and goes towards boosting the PH
but with a new set up, that is not yet chemically stable, even that effect is short term , so your adding an Alk buffer for a short term Alk and PH boost
once the tank has matured, your PH will stabilise, and as stated by previous posters, provided you maintain good oxygenation techniques (no covers, surface agitation, opening windows at home when practical to do so etc) then your PH will stabilise, it may not be 8.3 and it does not have to be 8.3 so if in a month or 2 your PH is a steady 8.0 - 8.3 somewhere between, at the end of lighting up period, your golden IME

 

It could still be CO2 causing low pH if your house is still closed up and you have higher than normal CO2 in your house. I would definitely avoid the glass top if you aren't running a sump or Skimmer though to help promote gas exchange.

 

I never test my pH, ,along as alk is in the proper range and good gas exchange, pH should be fine.