PH level in nano tank

[bwilcove]

I'm in the process of cycling a nanocube 6 gallon tank. It's been 2 weeks and the ammonia / nitrate / nitrite levels were near zero for several days. However, the PH remained low at ~7.7 or so. I've been adding superbuffer Kh to the tank for the past several days, however it's not had much effect.

Today, I changed out about 15% of the water in the tank. About 1 hour later, the water was extremely cloudy and now there is a fine layer of white/cloudy "stuff" on the glass.

Any ideas on whether this is an issue, or if I should just let it be for a day or so? Also, any ideas on how to get the PH up to 8.0+?

Thanks,
Brian

[wharyat]

Welcome to TRT (if you havn't been already )


That white film is calcium carbonate, you probably had a lot of CO2 in the tank before you added the new water. Not to worry.

Check out kalkwasser, AKA pickling lime; it helps keep ca, alk, and pH high and stable.

[bwilcove]

Thanks. Will the calcium carbonate film dissolve on its own?


Brian

[wharyat]

You can just scrape/wipe down the sides of the tank, It will take a while for it to naturally dissolve.

[bwilcove]

Ok. Thanks. Also, another quick question ...

There are numerous little critters on the tank wall and the substrate. Look like mini potato bugs and little shrimp. I'm assuming this is normal growth?

Brian

[Loverotties]

Yes it's OK.