Reef Buffer 250g SEACHEM

Reef Buffer 250 g Seachem – pH and alkalinity buffer for reef aquariums

Reef Buffer is a buffer specifically developed for reef aquariums with a high biological load. It increases the pH up to 8.3 without the risk of dangerous overshooting, while improving carbonate alkalinity.

Main Features

Functioning and Formulation

Reef Buffer is formulated from a blend of carbonate and bicarbonate salts, unlike products based solely on sodium bicarbonate. This formulation gives the product a pK of approximately 8.6 in saltwater.

The pK represents the pH around which a buffer acts most effectively. In a reef aquarium, the high production of organic acids by corals, microorganisms, and fish tends to cause the pH to drop more significantly than in a marine fish-only aquarium.

Thanks to its higher pK, Reef Buffer helps maintain a stable pH close to 8.3 in these demanding conditions, where a buffer with a pK of 8.3 would struggle to reach this value.

Effect on Alkalinity

Reef Buffer also increases carbonate alkalinity. However, when pH is not a problematic parameter, using Reef Builder or Reef Carbonate is preferable for targeted alkalinity adjustment without significant impact on pH.

Usage Instructions

Check pH and alkalinity before use. Use 5 g for every 150 L of water to increase the pH by about 0.1 unit. This dose also increases alkalinity by about 0.5 meq/L.

Dissolve the dose in at least 250 ml of freshwater before adding it to the aquarium.

In a well-established reef aquarium, pH adjustment may be necessary every two weeks to once a week depending on biological load. Do not exceed the recommended dose without parameter checks. Alkalinity should not exceed 6 meq/L.

In case of persistent cloudiness or if an alkalinity of 6 meq/L is reached without achieving a pH of at least 8.20, the system presents an ionic imbalance. A water change or adjustment of magnesium and calcium is then recommended.

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

Usage Considerations

Alkalinity in reef aquariums should ideally be maintained between 3 and 6 meq/L. Reef Buffer is primarily intended to stabilize the pH in reef systems where it is difficult to maintain at 8.3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Difference between Marine Buffer and Reef Buffer

Marine Buffer has a pK of 8.3 and is intended for marine fish aquariums. Reef Buffer, with a pK of 8.6, is designed for reef aquariums and more effectively compensates for acidification related to high biological activity.

Difference between Reef Builder and Reef Buffer

Reef Builder is primarily intended for increasing alkalinity without notable modification of pH. Reef Buffer acts on both alkalinity and pH.

Package Contents

Reef Buffer Seachem packaged in a 250 g jar.