Reef Buffer 250g SEACHEM

Reef Buffer™ 250g SEACHEM

- Increase the pH to 8.3
- Increases the pH and carbonate alkalinity together
pK (8.6) allows for greater pH stability in a reef system where the biological load is significantly higher than in a fish-only system.

Overview

When used as directed, Reef Buffer™ will raise the pH of your reef system to 8.3 without the risk of accidentally raising the pH to a dangerous level. While competing products simply use sodium bicarbonate, Reef Buffer™ is made with a blend of carbonate and bicarbonate salts. This mixture of salts gives Reef Buffer™ a pK of approximately 8.6 in saltwater.

The pK of a buffering agent is equivalent to the pH around which this buffer most strongly stabilizes. One would thus assume that the pK of a saltwater buffer should be 8.3; however, the multitude of organic acids produced by the inhabitants of a reef system significantly lowers the pH compared to a non-reef marine system. A buffer with a pK of 8.3 would end up providing a pH more in the range of 8.0 to 8.2. The higher pK of Reef Buffer™ (8.6) allows for greater pH stability in a reef system where the biological load is significantly higher than in a fish-only system. Competing products are not specifically designed for the reef environment, hence their pK is too low (in most cases, pK 8.3). At this pK, the appropriate pH can never be achieved in saltwater.

Reef Buffer™ will also increase carbonate alkalinity; however, when pH is not an issue, Reef Builder™ or Reef Carbonate™ should be your first choice for a carbonate alkalinity supplement.

Sizes: 50 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 4 kg

Instructions

Check the pH and alkalinity before use (use the pH and alkalinity MultiTest™ Marine to test the levels of pH and alkalinity). Use 5 g (1 level teaspoon) for every 150 L (40 US gallons) to increase the pH by approximately 0.1 pH units (this will also increase the alkalinity by about 0.5 meq/L). For precise dosing, use the digital spoon scale. Seachem .Dissolve in at least 250 ml (one cup) of fresh water, then add to the tank. The pH of natural seawater is 8.25 to 8.30. In a well-established reef system, pH adjustment may be necessary every two weeks to semi-weekly. Dosage requirements will vary, but do not exceed the recommended dose without checking your pH and alkalinity (alkalinity should not exceed 6 meq/L).

If an alkalinity of 6 meq/L has been achieved and a pH of at least 8.20 has not been reached or if substantial cloudiness that does not dissipate within 15 minutes is encountered, the system is not ionically balanced. To restore ionic balance, perform a water change or adjust the magnesium and calcium levels to approximately a 3:1 Mg:Ca ratio.

DO NOT OVERDOSE: An excess of alkalinity can increase the loss of calcium, magnesium, and strontium. Do not mix directly with a calcium, magnesium, or strontium supplement. Ideally, calcium and carbonate additives should be added every other day or at least 30 minutes apart.

Considerations

Use the MultiTest™ Marine pH and Alkalinity Test to measure alkalinity levels.

The alkalinity of reefs should ideally be maintained at 3-6 meq/L (8-17 dKH). Reef Buffer™ will increase carbonate alkalinity; however, it is primarily intended to be used as a buffer in a reef system where maintaining a pH of 8.3 is often difficult.

When pH is not an issue, try Reef Builder™ or Reef Carbonate™.

FAQ translates to "Frequently Asked Questions" in English.

What is the difference between Marine Buffer® and Reef Buffer™?

In short, the answer is pK. Marine Buffer® is intended for a fish-only marine system and has a pK of 8.3, while Reef Buffer™ is specifically designed for a reef system and has a pK of 8.6. Due to its higher pK, Reef Buffer™ is more successful in overcoming the multitude of organic acids produced by reef inhabitants that tend to lower the pH in a typical reef aquarium.

What is the difference between Reef Builder™ and Reef Buffer™?

Although both products affect pH and alkalinity, the primary function of Reef Buffer™ is to affect pH, while the primary function of Reef Builder™ is to affect alkalinity. Use Reef Builder™ to increase carbonate alkalinity without affecting pH. Use Reef Buffer™ to increase both carbonate alkalinity and pH.