Seachem Gold Buffer
Water type
Freshwater
Seachem Gold Buffer
Raises goldfish pH, then holds it there. Seachem Gold Buffer is a non-phosphate buffer that lifts and holds pH in the 7.2–7.8 range goldfish prefer, without feeding the algae growth that phosphate-based buffers can cause. It only ever raises pH — it will not push already-alkaline water any higher than its 7.8 buffering point, and it will not lower a pH that starts out high.
Key features
- Non-phosphate formula — raises pH without feeding algae growth.
- Preferentially buffers at pH 7.8 — holds anywhere in the 7.2–7.8 band goldfish do well at.
- Sodium, potassium, magnesium and bicarbonate salts — the manufacturer does not publish exact ratios for this blend.
- Dissolves directly in the aquarium — no premixing needed.
- Raises pH only — no risk of crashing it too low from overdosing.
Specifications
| Brand | Seachem |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-phosphate pH buffer |
| Active constituents | Sodium, potassium, magnesium and bicarbonate salts (exact ratios not published) |
| pH held | 7.2–7.8, preferentially buffering at 7.8 |
| Effect | Raises pH only — will not lower pH |
| Phosphate | None |
| Water type | Freshwater — goldfish |
Which pack size do I need?
| Pack | Barcode | Standard dose |
|---|---|---|
| 70 g | 116025409 | 6 g (1 level tsp) per 40 L, daily until target pH reached |
| 300 g | 116025607 | 6 g (1 level tsp) per 40 L, daily until target pH reached |
Dose rate is identical across both sizes — the 300 g pack simply lasts through more dosing rounds before it runs out.
Dosage and directions
Add 1 level teaspoon (6 g) per 40 L (10 US gallons) daily, until the water reaches your target pH. If your water is soft or poorly buffered, start at half this dose. Add directly to the aquarium — no premixing required.
Because dosing continues until the target pH is reached rather than for a fixed number of applications, how long a pack lasts depends on your starting water chemistry. Seachem does not publish an expected dose count per pack, so we are not putting a cost-per-litre figure on this page — see the FAQ below.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
- Suitable for freshwater goldfish aquariums where pH needs raising into the 7.2–7.8 band.
- Not useful where your water already sits above pH 7.8 — it will not push pH any higher.
- Not intended for marine or reef tanks.
Safety
Non-toxic at the stated dose. Overdosing wastes product rather than causing harm, but always follow the directions above.
Warranty and delivery
Covered by the manufacturer's quality guarantee, in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Standard shipping from our North Lakes warehouse.
Common questions
Will this lower my pH if it is too high?
No. Gold Buffer only ever raises pH, up to its 7.8 preferential buffering point.
Does it feed algae the way some buffers do?
No — it is phosphate-free, which is the reason Seachem developed it specifically for goldfish setups.
How many doses are in a pack?
Seachem does not publish a fixed dose count. Because dosing continues daily until your target pH is reached, how long a pack lasts depends on your water's starting hardness and alkalinity, not a fixed treated-litre figure.
Can I use it in a planted or reef tank?
It is formulated and sold for freshwater goldfish keeping. Seachem does not publish reef or planted-tank guidance for this product.
