Marine Buffer 250g SEACHEM

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Marine Buffer 250 g Seachem – pH Buffer 8.3 for Marine Aquarium

Marine Buffer is a buffering product specifically formulated to raise and maintain the pH of saltwater aquariums at a stable value of 8.3. It can be safely used in reef and marine aquariums, even in the case of accidental overdose, without exceeding the target pH.

Main Features

Operation and Formulation

Marine Buffer is a blended buffer, not just a simple bicarbonate or sodium carbonate. It contains sodium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, and potassium salts in the form of carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride, sulfate, and borate.

The total alkalinity of seawater primarily relies on three ions: carbonate, bicarbonate, and borate. Bicarbonate tends to stabilize the pH towards 7.8, carbonate towards 9.1, and borate towards 9.5 or higher. Marine Buffer leverages this buffering chemistry by combining these elements to lead and maintain the pH precisely around 8.3.

The pK of Marine Buffer is intentionally slightly above 8.3 to compensate for the constant addition of bicarbonates during water changes. This formulation makes the pH more stable as the product is used regularly.

Benefits in Marine Aquarium

Marine Buffer improves the stability of pH and alkalinity without causing sudden variations. It limits the formation of precipitates in ionically balanced water and remains compatible with demanding reef aquariums.

Instructions for Use

Add 5 g for every 80 L of aquarium water. For precise dosing, the use of a digital spoon scale is recommended.

Dissolve the dose in at least one cup of freshwater before adding. This amount also increases alkalinity by approximately 1 meq/L.

Add daily until the pH stabilizes at 8.3. Depending on initial parameters, this may take from one day to a week. Once the pH is stabilized, use every two weeks or once a month for maintenance.

Do not mix directly with a calcium, magnesium, or strontium supplement.

If a persistent precipitate forms after addition, an ionic imbalance is likely present. A water change is then recommended before any further use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Difference between Marine Buffer and Reef Buffer

Marine Buffer has a pK of 8.3. Reef Buffer has a more pronounced carbonate influence, giving it a higher pK. Reef Buffer is therefore more suitable for reef aquariums with high biological activity generating more acids.

Appearance of a white and light precipitate after addition

This is a temporary magnesium carbonate precipitate. It generally dissolves within about thirty minutes and may appear if magnesium is already high.

Use in Planted Freshwater Aquarium

Marine Buffer is not recommended for this use. Its formulation is designed to target a pH of 8.3 in saltwater. For freshwater aquariums, only Acid Buffer and Alkaline Buffer should be used as per the recommended guidelines.

Package Contents

Marine Buffer Seachem packaged in a 250 g jar.