Started Cycling Ph Risen To 9.0 ?

[Nick Sw]

Hi I`ve just started cyling my tank today I`ve got a load of rocks in the tank , I`ve added the ammonia to 5ppm ish and added API Stress Zyme the temp is set to 86F/30C , I checked the PH out of curiosity and it has definately read 9.0-9.2 This is a bit worrying is it normal ?

Is the ammonia /rocks ? The rocks have been in 10 hours the ammonia 5 hours.

My tap water is 8.0 but quite soft.

My Tank diary is below
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=143018

 

[brewyn]

no its not normal nick, it may have something to do with the ammonia you have used, but never having used these methods before to cycle a tank, I cant be !00% sure. it should really show the 8 that is coming from the tap??? and I can't see the rocks affecting the ph.

 

[Nick Sw]

I`m hoping it is normal ! I wonder if it is`s too much ammonia ? I`ve got an API Master test Kit , I don`t think I`ve over done it by much but it`s hard to tell the difference between 4ppm and 8ppm and above. I`ll test again tomorrow.

BTW I used the Homebase Ammonia that a lot of people have used.
The only other thing is the sand.

 

[dthoffsett]

Don't worry Nick, your ph is very normal for a fishless cycle. The large amounts of ammonia need for a fishless cycle causes the ph to fluctuate drastically. Once your completely cycled and have done your large water change your ph will go back to normal. Although if you got limestone rocks, eventually they will raise your ph, but not in 10 hours.

 

[Nick Sw]

Appreciate the replys , It`s dropped a bit to 8.8 this morning (1st thing I did when I woke up ! ).