Nan-new Nan-new

[maisysmom]

Hi, I just started a 12 g Nano Cube 1 week ago. Here are the params as of yesterday:
Nitrate: 20
Nitrite: .25
Alkalinity: 300
PH: 7.8
Temp: 80.3

Is the alkalinity high? Why and what can I do about it?
Do I need to test Ca? What kind of test should I get?
When can I add some janitors? What types do you suggest? Thanks for your help!

[labooe43]

nitrates are a lil high, though not awful, nitrites are high, alkalinity is a bit high, Ph is low and should be brought up... need to keep Ph right around 8.2

the way to bring nitrates and alkalinity down safely is through partial water changes... 5 gallons weekly would be good. also, a protien skimmer will help you control it.

hope this helps... and yes, test for calcium... talk to your LFS about test kits... i like the aquarium pharmaceuticals, inc kits... though there are better ones out there

[maisysmom]

How do I increase the Ph?

[Cosine]

You can use a buffer or with water changes provided the pH is around 8.3 in the water you are putting in. That will be where you want pH.
Other than that you can get an Ammonia test.
make sure that is zero before putting anything in.
I know its hard but wait a few weeks or a month at least to let everything settle down
it'll be worth it in the end
good luck!