• Targets pH 7.8–8.4 — the range African Rift Lake cichlids need, not general community-tank pH.
• Raises KH without moving GH — buffers against pH crashes without over-hardening the water.
• Treats water for as little as under 1c per litre on the 4 kg pack — see Cost per litre below.
• Dissolves directly into tank or top-up water — no premixing required.
• Pairs with Seachem Cichlid Lake Salt for full Rift Lake water chemistry.

*Calculated at Seachem's stated dosing rate of 6 g per 40–80 L, using the concentrated (40 L) end of that range so the figures are conservative. Actual coverage is often higher once a tank is on maintenance dosing.

Use 6 g (one level teaspoon) per 40–80 L of water, added daily until the target pH is reached. After that, dose only as needed to maintain pH — typically no more than once every two to three weeks. Combine with Seachem Tanganyika Buffer or Acid Buffer if you need a different target range; this product will not push pH outside 7.8–8.4 by itself.

Not harmful to plants. Dosing well above the stated rate can cause a sudden shift in pH and KH that stresses fish — if that happens, correct it with a partial water change and return to smaller, gradual doses rather than repeated full doses. Seachem's own guidance for scaleless fish and invertebrates (shrimp, snails and other sensitive inhabitants) is to start with a partial dose and work up to the full rate over time, rather than dosing at full strength straight away — check with us first if you're unsure.

Suitable for Lake Malawi and Lake Victoria cichlid tanks, and any freshwater setup that needs a stable alkaline pH of 7.8–8.4. Not suitable where a lower, acidic pH is the goal — for that, Seachem Acid Buffer is the correct product, not this one.

• Seachem Cichlid Lake Salt — completes the Rift Lake water profile alongside this buffer.
• Seachem Tanganyika Buffer — for the higher pH Lake Tanganyika cichlids need instead.
• A pH/KH test kit — to dose against your own readings rather than a fixed schedule.

Covered by Seachem's standard product guarantee in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Ships as a standard parcel — no special freight handling required.

Will this affect my tank's general hardness (GH)?

No — Seachem states it raises carbonate hardness (KH) without affecting GH, so it buffers pH without also hardening the water further.

How often do I need to dose it?

Daily at first, until your test kit shows the tank has settled in the 7.8–8.4 range. After that, most tanks only need a top-up dose every two to three weeks.

Can I use it with Cichlid Lake Salt?

Yes — Seachem recommends dosing this buffer alongside Cichlid Lake Salt to recreate full Rift Lake water chemistry, not just the pH.

What happens if I add too much?

An overdose can push pH and KH up too fast, which stresses fish. Do a partial water change and go back to smaller, gradual doses rather than continuing to add more.

Is it safe for plants and invertebrates?

Seachem states it is not harmful to plants. For scaleless fish and invertebrates, Seachem's guidance is to dose more conservatively — start with a partial dose and work up to the full rate over time, rather than the full dose straight away. Check with us first if you're unsure about a specific livestock mix.