Pack size
250 g
Cost per litre
Under 1c
Water type
Marine + Reef
Part no.
0346
Pack size
500 g
Cost per litre
Under 1c
Water type
Marine + Reef
Part no.
0343
Seachem Marine Buffer
Locks marine pH at a rock-steady 8.3 and won't push it any higher, even on an accidental overdose. Seachem Marine Buffer is a blend of sodium, magnesium, calcium, strontium and potassium carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride, sulphate and borate salts that raises and holds saltwater pH at the natural reef level of 8.3, adding roughly 1 meq/L of alkalinity per standard dose. It's used both to bring a fresh saltwater mix up to pH, and for ongoing maintenance dosing afterwards.
Key features
- Targets pH 8.3 and self-limits – Seachem states it will not push pH above 8.3 even on an accidental overdose.
- Adds roughly 1 meq/L of alkalinity alongside the pH lift, with every standard dose.
- Treats saltwater for under 1c per litre on both pack sizes – see Cost per litre below.
- Dissolves fast when pre-mixed in freshwater before adding to the tank.
- One dose rate for new mixes and maintenance – only the frequency changes.
Specifications
| Pack size | SKU | Barcode | Litres treated per pack | Cost per litre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250 g | AA0849 | 000116034609 | 4,000 L | under 1c per litre |
| 500 g | AA0848 | 000116034302 | 8,000 L | under 1c per litre |
Litres treated calculated at Seachem's published maintenance dose of 5 g per 80 L.
Dosage and directions
Dissolve 5 g (one level teaspoon) in at least a cup of freshwater, then add per 80 L of tank water. For a new mix, dose daily until pH stabilises at 8.3 – usually within a week. After that, dose the same amount every two to four weeks to hold the level. Don't dose Marine Buffer directly alongside calcium, magnesium or strontium supplements – add them on alternate days, or at least 30 minutes apart.
Safety
Seachem markets this as safe for reef aquariums. If a persistent cloudiness or precipitate lasts more than about 15 minutes after dosing, that's a sign the water's ionic balance is off – do a water change before dosing again rather than adding more.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable for FOWLR and reef marine tanks that need pH raised or held at 8.3. Not the right product for a tank under heavy biological acid load – Seachem's own guidance is that Reef Buffer is the better choice there. Not for freshwater use.
Goes well with
- Seachem Reef Buffer – the stronger option for reef tanks with a heavy bioload.
- Seachem Reef Advantage Calcium – dose on alternate days from this buffer, not at the same time.
- A marine pH test kit – confirm where your tank sits before dosing on a schedule.
Warranty and delivery
Covered by Seachem's standard product guarantee in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Ships as a standard parcel.
Common questions
Can I overdose this by accident?
Seachem states Marine Buffer will not raise pH above 8.3, even if you add more than the recommended dose. It's designed to self-limit at that level.
Is it safe for a reef tank?
Seachem markets it as reef safe. For tanks with a heavy biological acid load, Seachem's own advice is that Reef Buffer holds up better – Marine Buffer is the standard choice for most FOWLR and reef setups.
Can I dose it with my calcium supplement at the same time?
No – don't mix it directly with calcium, magnesium or strontium additives. Dose them on alternate days, or space doses at least 30 minutes apart.
Do I use the same dose for a new tank as for maintenance?
Yes, the dose rate doesn't change – 5 g per 80 L either way. What changes is frequency: daily while a new mix comes up to pH, then every two to four weeks once it's holding steady.
What if the water goes cloudy after dosing?
A little cloudiness that clears within about 15 minutes is normal. If it lingers longer than that, it's a sign of an ionic imbalance – do a water change before dosing again.




