- Raises pH to 8.3.
- Raises pH and carbonate alkalinity together.
- pK (8.6) allows for greater pH stability in a reef system where the bioload is significantly more than in a fish only system.
Overview:When
used as directed Seachem Reef Buffer will raise the pH of your reef
system to 8.3 without fear of accidentally overshooting the pH to a
dangerous level. Whereas competing products simply use sodium
bicarbonate, Reef Buffer is made with a blend of carbonate and
bicarbonate salts. This blend of salts results in Reef Buffer yielding a
pK of roughly 8.6 in saltwater.
The
pK of a buffering agent is equivalent to the pH around which that
buffer most strongly buffers. One would presume, then, 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 forces pH downward to a
much greater degree than in a non-reef, marine system. A buffer with a
pK of 8.3 would end up yielding a pH more in the range of 8.0-8.2. Reef
Buffer's higher pK (8.6) allows for greater pH stability in a reef
system where the bioload is significantly more than in a fish only
system. Competing products are not designed specifically for the reef
environment, so their pK is too low (in most cases, pK 8.3). At this pK,
the proper pH can never be reached in saltwater.
Reef
Buffer will also raise carbonate alkalinity; however, when pH is not an
issue, Reef Builder or Reef Carbonate should be your first choice for a
carbonate alkalinity supplement.
Directions:Check
pH and alkalinity before use (use MultiTest Marine pH & Alkalinity
to test ph nd alkalinity levels). Use 5 g (1 level teaspoon) for every
150 L (40 US gallons) to raise pH by about 0.1 pH units (this will also
raise alkalinity by about 0.5 meq/L). For precise dosing, use the
Seachem Digital Spoon Scale. Dissolve in at least 250 mL (one cup) of
freshwater, then add to the tank. The pH of natural sea water is
8.25–8.30. In a well established reef system pH adjustment may be
necessary biweekly to semiweekly. Dosing 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 reached and a pH of at least 8.20 has
not been attained or substantial cloudiness that does not clear within
15 minutes is encountered, then the system is not ionically balanced. To
restore ionic balance perform a water change or adjust the magnesium
and calcium levels to approximately 3:1 Mg:Ca.
Size: 250 grams