{"product_id":"seachem-reef-buffer-1kg","title":"Reef Buffer 1 kg — Buffer pH 8.3 pK 8.6 Reef | Seachem","description":"\u003cp\u003eSeachem Reef Buffer in a 1 kg format is a powdered buffer specifically designed for reef systems. Formulated with a blend of carbonates and bicarbonates, it produces a pK of 8.6 in seawater. This high pK counteracts the constant acid pressure generated by the organic load of corals, fish, and invertebrates, helping to stabilize the pH at 8.3. The 1 kg format is the economical choice for reef aquarists who regularly adjust the pH of their system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e Main advantages\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e pK of 8.6 in seawater — formulated for reef environments, not fish-only systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Stabilizes pH at 8.3 without risk of accidental overshoot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Simultaneously increases pH and carbonate alkalinity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Economical 1 kg format for systems requiring frequent pH adjustment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e Use in reef aquariums\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e In a reef aquarium, the organic acids produced by the inhabitants force the pH down much more than in a fish-only system. Competing sodium bicarbonate-based products have a pK of 8.3, too low to compensate for this pressure—they maintain the pH between 8.0 and 8.2. The Reef Buffer's pK of 8.6 overcomes this limitation. The Reef Buffer also increases carbonate alkalinity. However, when only alkalinity needs to be adjusted without changing the pH, Seachem recommends Seachem Reef Builder or Seachem Reef Carbonate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e Dosage\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Check the pH and alkalinity before each use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e 5 g (1 level teaspoon) per 150 L (40 US gallons) increases the pH by 0.1 unit and the alkalinity by 0.5 meq\/L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Dissolve in at least 250 ml (1 cup) of fresh water, then add to the container\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Frequency: every 2 weeks to twice a week depending on system demand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e The alkalinity must not exceed 6 meq\/L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e Ionic balance diagnosis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e If the alkalinity reaches 6 meq\/L without the pH reaching 8.20, or if turbidity persists for more than 15 minutes after titration, the system is ionically unbalanced. To restore balance: perform a water change or adjust the magnesium and calcium levels to achieve a Mg:Ca ratio of approximately 3:1.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e Manufacturer's precautions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking the pH and alkalinity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Excess alkalinity can accelerate the loss of calcium, magnesium, and strontium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Do not mix directly with a calcium, magnesium, or strontium supplement — alternate days or wait at least 30 minutes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e Available formats\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e 50 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e 250 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e 500 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e 1 kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e 4 kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e Why choose the Reef Buffer from ReefSolution?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e The 1 kg format is ideal for reef aquariums that require regular pH adjustments. Combine it with Seachem Reef Builder for independent alkalinity control and Seachem Reef Advantage Calcium for calcium. Monitor your parameters with the Salifert KH\/Alk Test Kit or the Hanna Checker Alkalinity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e Frequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e When should you use the Reef Buffer instead of the Reef Builder?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Use the Reef Buffer when both pH and alkalinity need to be increased. Use the Reef Builder when only alkalinity needs to be corrected without changing the pH. The two products can be combined for independent control of each parameter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e Is the Reef Buffer more effective than the Marine Buffer for a reef tank?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Yes. Marine Buffer has a pK of 8.3, which is insufficient to compensate for the high organic load of a reef. Reef Buffer, with its pK of 8.6, is specifically formulated to achieve a stable pH of 8.3 despite the organic acid production of corals and invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e My pH isn't rising despite the Reef Buffer — what should I do?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e If the alkalinity reaches 6 meq\/L without a pH of 8.20, the system is ionically unbalanced. Perform a water change or adjust the magnesium:calcium ratio to approximately 3:1. Do not continue dosing beyond 6 meq\/L of alkalinity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Seachem","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":38010072531115,"sku":"19266","price":44.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/7108\/1899\/files\/Reef-Buffer-1-kg__88578__59949_1.jpg?v=1773606311","url":"https:\/\/reefsolution.com\/en\/products\/seachem-reef-buffer-1kg","provider":"Aquarium ReefSolution inc.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}