Cycling tank

[Crystal]

I had read on how to do a fishless cycle, so that is what I started before I went away for 2 weeks. I came back last night and tested my water, sure I was going to have to restart the cycle, and somehow it managed to do it by itself. I am down to .25 ammonia, my nitrites are through the roof, and I am not getting any nitrates I am going to resume the cycling process now that I am back.

There is only one problem, my ph is sitting really really high, it measured at 8.4.
Any ideas on how to lower naturally? I have bogwood and slate in my tank.

 

[yhbae]

What is the pH of your tap water? You need to measure if after sitting for 24 hours or under heavy aeration for few hours to remove any excess CO2...

 

[Crystal]

My tap water is about 8.0 which is high enough, but it is reading 8.4- 8.6 after letting it sit with the filter running for 2 weeks.

 

[yhbae]

Is 8.0 straight out of the tap, or has it been sitting in the air for a day?

 

[Crystal]

after it has been sitting.

 

[yhbae]

The difference is only 0.4 so most likely either you have some objects that contributes towards more alkaline water, or you have aeration in your tank that allows CO2 to escape further, driving pH higher.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it but pay attention to your pH for the next while...

I'd kill for your water though - I have to add baking soda and epsom salt just to keep my pH high for African species...

 

[canarsie11]

Was your tank being fed ammonia while you were gone?

 

[Crystal]

hehe, actually, it wasn't! It just sat there for two weeks with the filter running.