Ph 6.6 Too Low For Cycle?

[Halo2928]

Hi all, my PH is 6.6 im my cycling tank. I have been told that i should raise it with bicarbonate of soda as a low PH can slow down bacteria growth. WHats the ideal level i should increase it too and do i just add some in the water?

thanks

 

[BigbruiserAl]

My tank stalled at exactly 6.6 in jan 2011. I took a bucket of tank water out filled with tap water added declor and half a tea spoon of bicarbonate of soda. I think the prefect cycle is 8.0 -8.6 but WD or SBS should br in soon with some more facts soon

NB make sure temp of tank is 29c during a fishless cycle

 

[StandbySetting]

Low pH can indeed slow bacterial growth, but 6.6 is fine for bacteria, it'll just take a little longer that is all, as BigAl says, 29-30oC is the sweet spot for bacterial growth, I'd recommend adding a handful of crushed coral sand, it'll slowly raise your pH and maintain a pH of approximately 8-8.2.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

Speak of the devil lol lol

 

[Halo2928]

Righty , added some bicarb and got ph to 7.8. I was worried it was too high as someone said 7.4 to 8.0 was best but now i know its ok. Big AL , my tank stalled 2 days ago due to very high nitrates lol, fixed it now. Here in england its really really hot for some reason so the tank is at constant tempreture of 29-31C !