ph and water quality

Puffer

Hi Guys, Im a newbe to the forum.Im mastering freashwater.But, Today i started my 1st saltwater tank,I added all water with water from the local,water shop so its all OM water hope this is good????? and added salt to the water,now i just tested the PH it said 8.4 is this where it should be for salt water??, i will testagain soon as i just started the filter.now the dummy question i have for a newbe ,is am i on the right track with water ect.?????
any help much much appr.
Carl.

Melissa

it sounds like you are doing good. most fish like the ph between 8.2 and 8.4. but be sure not to let it get to high. most prefer to keep it about 8.2. what is the spcific gravity of your water? also, how do you plan to cycle it?

Puffer

:D Hi, Thank you for the welcome, the gravity is 1.022 and PH of 8.2 right now, im starting my Cycle today by just using live rock i bought .about 15LBS worth, I was going to add some snails and Crabs in about 2 weeks or so ,
Question, Lights on/Off and how long on ,and off ????

Carl.

Melissa

well you sound like you have it all down, thats good. you can keep the light on but not all day. i would say about 6 or so hours a day. if you keep it on to long you can get an over run of unwanted algea.

Puffer

Thank You so much ,so it is ok to have the light on in intervols on 3 off then on 3?
Carl.

Melissa

you really shouldnt do it once there are fish in the tank, this can stress them.

Puffer

So as a refrence,What time do you have your lights on ,at night or in the day,i Guess i would have mine on, in the time i know i would be home.
Carl.

Melissa

well our main lights are on from noon till about 8 or 9 pm.

Pixi165

we keep our lights on from 8 am to 10pm