Reef Builder 300g SEACHEM

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Reef Builder 300 g Seachem – carbonate alkalinity supplement for reef aquarium

Reef Builder is formulated to increase carbonate alkalinity in a reef aquarium without an immediate change in pH. With regular use, the pH naturally tends to stabilize around 8.3, while maintaining the ionic balance of the system.

Main Features

Principles and Benefits

Reef Builder is based on a mix of carbonate sources, avoiding the acidifying effects associated with products based solely on bicarbonate. When used as recommended, it does not deplete calcium, magnesium, or strontium, elements often affected when alkalinity is increased.

Reef Builder and Reef Buffer can be used together. Reef Builder is intended for targeted increase of alkalinity when pH is not an issue, while Reef Buffer is used when pH also needs adjustment.

In a reef aquarium, alkalinity should ideally be maintained between 3 and 5 meq/L, never dropping below 2 meq/L.

Usage Instructions

Beginner Level

Use 3 g per 150 L of water, twice a week.

Dissolve in at least 250 ml of freshwater before adding.

Check alkalinity every two weeks and adjust the amount or frequency if necessary.

Advanced Level

Measure the alkalinity, then apply the addition scheme until reaching a value between 3 and 6 meq/L.

Each dose of 3 g per 150 L increases alkalinity by approximately 0.25 meq/L.

Do not exceed 12 g per 150 L per day.

Expert Level

After determining the alkalinity consumption rate, a continuous drip system can be set up.

The amount to add in the top-off water can be calculated using the following formula: m = 0.08 × v × a, where m is the grams to add, v is the volume of the aquarium in liters, and a is the desired increase in meq/L.

Important Considerations

Significant adjustments should be made gradually to avoid any shock to corals and invertebrates.

Do not mix directly with a calcium, magnesium, or strontium supplement. Ideally, space additions by at least 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Difference between Reef Builder and Reef Buffer

Reef Builder primarily acts on alkalinity with limited effect on pH. Reef Buffer acts on both pH and alkalinity. When pH is stable, Reef Builder is preferred.

Cloudy appearance upon dissolution

A slightly cloudy solution is normal when dissolving at recommended concentrations. A small insoluble fraction may appear after prolonged rest, related to the formation of calcium carbonate.

Use in automatic dosing

Reef Builder can be used in automatic dosing after a precise calculation of weekly alkalinity needs. The maximum recommended concentration is about 33 g per liter of solution.

Package Contents

Reef Builder Seachem packaged in a 300 g jar.