Having problems with Alk & PH readings

[Editour2]

I have an 85gal tank with an 18gal capacity sump/refugium, (half filled), total water volume of approx 85 to 95 gallons, (estimated since I don't know how much water is displaced by the rock and sand). The tank has been running for about 2wks now. The ph is low, can't get an exact reading however I am approximating in the range of 7.7 to 8.0. I have been getting confusing results on the alkalinity. Using a Salifert Test Kit I first got a reading of around 2.29 meg/l. I then added approx 40ml of alkalinity per 2part solution, (baked baking soda). I also added Nitromax nitrifying bacteria to help the cycle process. 2 days later, today, I tested again & the ph seemed unchanged and I couldn't get a reading on the alkalinity. First I thought it was too low then maybe too high. I took another test using fastest/Seatest kit and got a reading of 3.0 meg/l. I'm confused. Would the nitromax effect results? Why didn't the ph change?

[bertoni]

If there's still decay ongoing in the tank, that process will lower the pH and temporarily consume alkalinity. I would just wait for a few weeks of zero ammonia, and work from there.

I don't think the Nitromax is going to do any harm or change the test results.

[coraljunky]

What is your calcium? Low ph is typically a co2 problem.