PH and Nitrate

I have recently got my 55 Gal tank going in the 3rd week of the cycle. Is it true that i wont see any nitrate untill after the cycle. i have a damsel and a couple of snails in there that my LFS said would expedite the process.

Also my PH seems to be a little low around 7.9. how do i raise it. is that something that might change or have anything to do with the cycle?

 

a pH of 7.9 is slightly low but acceptable (prolly due to oxygen levels in the water)

Your nitrate levels will be a function of how strong your biological filter (live rock) is. If you have nice flow you wont have any nitrate. The process goes as such:
clams/bacteria=break down ammonia straight from fish to nitrite
bacteria= break down nitrite to nitrate
clams/bacteria= break nitrate down to elemental nitrogen

A DSB also contains anaerobic bacteria which will very easily break down any nirtate

 

thank you very much. just bought a k2 to add to the tank. should i add that and see what happens to the PH before i add any buffer?