Seachem Discus Buffer

• Targeted pH range – lowers and buffers aquarium water to pH 5.8–6.8, suited to discus and other soft-water species.
• Phosphate-based buffering system – Seachem describes this as a stronger, more stable buffering system than non-phosphate alternatives.
• Softens water – precipitates calcium and magnesium ions out of solution, lowering GH toward discus-friendly levels.
• Formulated for RO/DI water – dosing is calibrated for unbuffered reverse osmosis or deionised water; tap water dosing should be adjusted for any existing buffering.
• Simple dosing – 5 g (one level teaspoon) per 40–80 L, dosed daily until target pH is reached.
• Low-maintenance upkeep – once target pH is reached, redose monthly or with water changes.
• Pairs with Neutral Regulator – the two can be combined to fine-tune pH to a specific value.
• Fits a wider discus care routine – Seachem pairs Discus Buffer with Discus Trace to help restore trace elements affected by buffering.

Once the target pH of 5.8–6.8 is reached, redose once a month or with each water change to maintain it. Directions assume unbuffered RO or DI water; for buffered tap water, use the table as a starting guide and monitor pH. For precise small doses, Seachem recommends its Digital Spoon Scale.

• Suitable – freshwater community fish, loaches, catfish, shrimp, snails and aquarium plants.
• Use with caution – freshwater sharks, freshwater rays, freshwater eels, aquatic frogs and other exotic invertebrates; Seachem advises starting with a partial dose and increasing gradually.
• Not suitable – saltwater/marine fish, corals and clams; Discus Buffer is intended for freshwater aquariums only.
• Not every freshwater species tolerates a low-pH environment, so check the pH preference of your existing stock before dosing. Introduce changes gradually, keep water changes to 30 percent or less, and use smaller, more frequent changes for sensitive inhabitants.
• Because it is phosphate-based, keepers of heavily planted, high-light or CO2-injected tanks may prefer a non-phosphate buffer, as added phosphate can contribute to algae growth in that type of setup.

• Redose monthly, or at each water change, to maintain pH once the target range is reached.
• Test pH regularly during the initial dosing period to avoid overshooting the 5.8–6.8 target.
• Expect GH to drop as calcium and magnesium precipitate out; expect standard KH test readings to rise, as the buffer itself registers as alkalinity.
• Cloudiness, particularly in hard water or when dosed alongside mineral supplements such as Replenish or Equilibrium, is a harmless calcium/magnesium precipitate. Dose minerals moderately and use a flocculant such as Clarity to clear it if it occurs.
• Do not run phosphate-removing filter media at the same time, as this will strip out the buffering compound.

This product is covered by the consumer guarantees under Australian Consumer Law. If you have any questions about dosing for your particular tank or livestock, contact Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium before use.

What pH does Discus Buffer produce?

Seachem states Discus Buffer adjusts aquarium pH to between 5.8 and 6.8, suited to discus and other soft, acid-water fish species.

How much Discus Buffer do I dose?

The standard rate is 5 g (one level teaspoon) per 40–80 L (10–20 US gallons), dosed daily until the target pH is reached, then monthly or with water changes to maintain it.

Does Discus Buffer work in tap water?

Seachem's dosing guidance assumes unbuffered water such as RO or DI. Tap water that already carries its own buffering capacity will need adjusted dosing, so treat the standard rate as a starting point and monitor pH.

Is Discus Buffer safe with plants and invertebrates?

Seachem lists freshwater community fish, loaches, catfish, shrimp, snails and aquarium plants as compatible. Freshwater sharks, rays, eels, aquatic frogs and other exotic invertebrates are rated as sensitive and should be dosed cautiously, starting with a partial dose. It is not intended for saltwater fish, corals or clams.

Will it affect my GH and KH readings?

Yes. Seachem confirms Discus Buffer softens water by precipitating calcium and magnesium, which shows as a drop in GH, while the buffer compound itself typically reads as a rise in KH on standard test kits.

Can I combine it with other Seachem products?

Seachem states all of its freshwater products can be used alongside Discus Buffer, though dosing high levels of mineral supplements such as Replenish or Equilibrium at the same time can cause a harmless precipitate. Dose minerals moderately and use a flocculant such as Clarity if cloudiness appears.