Ph Changes While Cycling

[blw0489]

I am currently doing a fishless cycle. I believe I am half way through, I've tested my ammonia nitrites and nitrates daily. My ammonia drops to zero every morning so I add about 1-2 ppm daily (as needed). My nitrites have been between 3-5 and nitrates are 10. Everything has been going great, but I neglected to test my pH. After dosing my tank with 1-2ppm this morning I tested the pH. I use the janitorial strength ammonia from ace hardware. As a bio major I know ammonia is really basic and would no doubt alter the pH of my tank. I am also aware that the good bacteria counter act this. My question is what is too high. Remember I have NO FISH but I have 4 small plants and lots of bacteria to look after. My pH is reading 8.4, rememeber I tested about 20 minutes after adding ammonia. Can I expect this pH value to go down over the course of 12-24 hours? And is it bad for my plants/the bacteria to have pH changes (which seems to be inevitable while cycling)? Thank you in advance

 

[Byron]

For comparison, what is the pH of your source water (tap presumably)?  And, what is the GH and KH of the tap water?
 
Byron.

 

[blw0489]

My tank - about 10 hours after ammonia dosing, the pH is reading 7.5 and the ammonia level dropped from 2ppm to 1ppm.. also the hardness for both my tap and aquarium water is "Soft" not sure how to test for kh. The pH of my tap water is
6.8 maybe 7. I'm guessing the ammonia is causing these fluctuations and the bacteria are doing a good job counteracting it, I could be wrong. Just hope my plants can take the stress.

For comparison, what is the pH of your source water (tap presumably)?  And, what is the GH and KH of the tap water?
 
Byron.

 

[Byron]

I would assume the pH fluctuations are due to the ammonia/cycling.  If you have plants, I would not add ammonia.  I let the plants do the silent cycle as it is easier.
 
The GH and KH of your tap water you can ascertian from the water supply board/authority for your area.  The GH is important for fish, the KH is what "buffers" pH once the tank is established.
 
Byron.