paswed

I have 90 lbs of live sand and about 30 hermit crabs in my 125 gallon tank. that I just set (about a month)up my question is that no matter what I do my pH is still not where it needs to be. It is at 7.9. I have added something to raise my ph and still it is at 7.9. wil my live sand and hermit seem to be ok with this and I am open to any input please. Also, how much live rock do I need for this size tank and what kind of lights do I need for live rock?

atmmachine816

If you pH doesn't change or you don't change it the hermits should be fine. One pound to one pound and a half per gallon is a general rule but you have to bend it depending on the rock, some is more porous than others and will be bigger and weigh less than some that may be dense. Think of some sort of rock formation you would like then buy the rock and try to form it. I would say at least 125lbs to 190lbs which will cost a lot so you may want to make some of your own or buy real cheap base rock which you wont see much. Standard stock saltwater lights will work for live rock, nothing fancy, just get saltwater kelvin not freshwater, no 6,700 kelvin, I believe it is 10,000 and you can get actinic too if you'd like.

Mike

paswed - some questions:

What kind of test do you use to test pH?
What time of the day do you test pH?
What is your SG or salinity level?
Tank temp?
What brand of salt mix?

Tom

But wouldn't also getting a small amount at a time work too? Would that be better for a tighter budget?
Tom

paswed

Tom thanks for editing my post sometimes all of my thoughts do not make it on papers as I hear it in my head. I also see letters and number backward at times so feel free to edited anytime. I try to use the word processor when I post but I some time get lazy. Sorry off topic

What kind of test do you use to test pH? Marine lab
What time of the day do you test pH? Midday
What is your sg or salinity level?
Tank temp? 77
What brand of salt mix? Instant ocean


I plan on getting 50lbs of live rock and then getting a little at a time of the uncure rock will that be ok

atmmachine816

It's fine to add rock small amount at a time just keep in mind if you don't buy fully cured rock and place it in a cycled tank it will restart the cycle for a short time so either you have to keep buying fully cured rock or cure it yourself in a separate bucket or tank.