LFS says to add buffer

just left the LFS they tested my water params and things were right on except PH was low 7.9 They sold me some PH buffer. im also adding a k2 to the tank to help with flow. will the flow be enough to raise PH at all or do i need to go ahead and add the Buffer. 55 gal tank in the process of cycling. will the buffer have any ill effects on the cycle?

 

It won't harm the cycle in any way at all. Are you cycling with fish or with live rock. If there's no fish in there, I wouldn't worry about a 7.9 pH level.

 

I use buffer, works great! I add it to my freshly made RO/DI water before doing a water change.

 

I wouldn't wast any buffer while you're cycling. JMO. I only use my Kent Ph buffer when doing water changes. I sprinkle a little bit in the tub while the water sits overnights so it stabilizes the Ph. My Ph is always smack dab on 8.3. Don't get into the habit of adding chemicals. I always look at the big wall of them at my LFS and gasp at the fact some people dump that stuff in all the time. And for quality stuff like Kent or Brightwell you are talking alot of dough.

 

One thing to consider...and I learned this the hard way....go out to bulk reef supply and get their 2 part kit, along with test kits for Magnesium, Alkalinity, and Calcium. If you are going to keep corals, you will need to make sure you have these three things in check....when you add buffer, it will help your PH, but it tends to pump up your alkalinity at the expense of calcium and magnesium....which is not good in the long run. In my opinion, I would start doing this now, rather then later...it sounds like a lot of work, but it is really easy, and worth the effort in the long run (and short run for that matter). www.bulkreefsupply.com is the site. Lots of good info out there. Since using the 2 part kit, I have totally stayed off of marine buffer....and my Alk, PH, Mg, and Ca have been perfect.

 

i have a damsel and a couple snails.

 

since theres life in there. just follow the directions to raise your ph up.

 

with adding PH buffer my ALK will rise. my Alk is at 3 what will i need to do to maintain that. or is that a big worry now that my tank is cycling?????

 

Just be careful when raising your Alk meq/l above 3.5 as it will make it harder to maintain your calcium near 450 and slightly below.

 

anyone ever had PH buffer turn water cloudy?