pH dropping during cycle

My new 110g rimless is finally all setup, aquascaped, filled with RODI salt water and cycling with some table shrimp! Yay!

I've noticed that my pH that started at 8.3 is consistently dropping. Since I am not running lights, I don't think it will bounce back.

My question is, since it's way to early to dose 2 part, should I be adding buffer to keep my water in > 8.0 range?

If yes, how low can I let it drop before adding buffer? 7.9? 7.5? 7?

Thanks.

 

No cause the microbes use o2 up and if you don't have good gas exchange your ph will drop. Try putting a air stone or opening a window to allow better gas exchange first
That what I did during my cycle to keep ph up

 

I would not add any buffer. pH below 8.0 is not cause for concern, especially during a cycle. You can turn your lights on for a few hours each day that. No reason not to. That will help bring it up during the day.

 

It's a rimless tank, with two MP40 pumps in it and quite a bit of surface agitation. It also has 30g sump. I think it gets plenty air. Think I still need a stone or turn skimmer on?

 

No concern for unwanted bacterial/algea growth due to lights?

 

Running the skimmer will help, as will the lights as mentioned. I ran my skimmer during my cycling my tanks with no ill effects that I noticed.

 

This will happen either way. Either now while it is empty and cycling, or later on once you get stock and actually run them. There is no getting around diatoms and then hair algae on a new tank for the most part. Better to get it over with sooner than later IMO.

 

Haha, this is SOOO nerdy. But i can't help but giggle at the thought that I can turn my lights and skimmer on right now from the office, using Apex web interface

 

Ok, Thanks! So even if with lights/skimmer PH drops below 8, just let it be. Got it.

 

Just be careful turning your skimmer on when you are not home...new skimmers love to overflow until they break-in I would wait until you are home to make sure overflowing is not an issue...