API pH Up

• Raises pH safely and predictably – a small, controlled dose rather than a large single correction.
• Phosphate and nitrate-free – won't feed an algae bloom the way some pH adjusters can.
• Colourless and fast-acting – API states it won't cloud the water.
• Under 1c per litre treated at API's label dose, on both bottle sizes – see the pack comparison below.
• Two pack sizes – 118 mL and a 473 mL professional size for larger systems or fish rooms.

API's label rate is half a teaspoon (2.5 mL) for every 25 US gallons (95 L) of aquarium water. Retest before adding a second dose – API notes some fish are sensitive to a pH change greater than 0.2 in 24 hours, so raise gradually rather than chasing the target number in one go.

Using API's label dose of 2.5 mL per 95 L, here is roughly how far each bottle goes and what it costs to raise a litre of water at that rate:

Both sizes work out to a fraction of a cent per litre at API's label dose, and the 473 mL professional size costs proportionally less per litre than the 118 mL bottle. That's worth it if you're dosing more than the occasional top-up; the smaller bottle is the sensible choice if pH Up isn't something you reach for often, since an opened bottle doesn't last indefinitely.

These are estimates calculated from API's label dose rate, not a manufacturer-stated total yield – actual use will vary with how often your water needs correcting.

Suitable for:

• Livebearers, goldfish and other hard-water freshwater community fish
• New setups, routine water changes, and correcting a low reading in an established tank

Not suitable for:

• Marine or reef tanks – this is a freshwater product
• Large, one-off corrections – dose small amounts and retest rather than chasing the target pH in a single addition

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Shake before use and measure the dose accurately, especially on the smaller 118 mL bottle.
• Retest pH before adding a further dose.

• API Freshwater Master Multi Test Kit 5 in 1 – to retest before every additional dose.
• API Proper pH 7.5 – if you want the pH held at a set point rather than nudged upward as needed.
• API Stress Coat – for conditioning the fresh tap water a water change brings in.

This is a consumable, so no manufacturer warranty period applies. That does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law: if the product is faulty, unsafe or not as described, you are entitled to a remedy. Ships as standard freight.

What's the difference between pH Up and Proper pH 7.5 or 8.2?

pH Up is a liquid adjuster – it moves the reading upward but doesn't hold it there. Proper pH 7.5 and 8.2 are powdered buffers that set a target pH and resist drift back down. Use pH Up for a small, occasional nudge; use a Proper pH buffer if you want the reading to stay put.

How quickly can I raise my pH?

API notes some fish are sensitive to a pH change greater than 0.2 in 24 hours. Dose small amounts, retest, and repeat over several days rather than trying to hit the target in one addition.

Will this cloud my water?

No. API states the formula is colourless and fast-acting, and doesn't cloud the water the way some powder buffers can in hard tap water.

Is it safe for planted tanks?

API markets pH Up as phosphate- and nitrate-free, which is friendlier to a planted tank than a phosphate-based buffer, but any pH change should still be made gradually to avoid shocking sensitive plant species.

Which size should I buy?

The 118 mL bottle suits a single tank dosed occasionally. The 473 mL professional size costs less per litre treated and suits a fish room or anyone dosing regularly across multiple tanks.