Seachem Reef Buffer

• Targets pH 8.3 – the level most reef corals and coralline algae are adapted to.
• Raises alkalinity alongside pH – roughly 0.5 meq/L per standard dose.
• Phosphate-free – won't feed nuisance algae.
• Built for established systems – a pK of 8.6 counters the acid load a stocked reef produces, rather than just pushing pH up on paper.
• Costs under 1c per litre of tank water dosed at every pack size – see the comparison below.

Target pH is 8.3. Recommended alkalinity range is 3–6 meq/L (8–17 dKH); do not exceed 6 meq/L.

• Suitable for established marine and reef aquariums running low on alkalinity or drifting below pH 8.3.
• Not a substitute for a calcium or magnesium supplement – Reef Buffer only addresses pH and carbonate alkalinity.
• Not for freshwater aquariums.

Dissolve 5 g (1 level teaspoon) in at least 250 mL of freshwater, then add to the tank for every 150 L of system volume. This raises pH by roughly 0.1 units and alkalinity by roughly 0.5 meq/L per dose. Established reef systems typically need a dose anywhere from twice weekly to fortnightly – test and adjust to your own tank rather than dosing on a fixed schedule.

Cost per litre at every pack size works out under 1c, calculated on the standard 5 g/150 L dose:

• Never mix Reef Buffer directly with a calcium, magnesium or strontium supplement in the same container or dosing line.
• Dose carbonate and calcium additives on alternate days, or space them at least 30 minutes apart.
• Do not exceed 6 meq/L alkalinity. Excess alkalinity can accelerate the loss of calcium, magnesium and strontium from the water.
• If cloudiness persists more than 15 minutes after dosing and alkalinity is already at 6 meq/L, the system's ionic balance needs attention rather than more buffer.

Keep the lid sealed between uses and store away from direct sunlight and humidity – like most reef powders, Reef Buffer will cake if it picks up moisture.

• Seachem Reef Complete – the calcium, magnesium and strontium half of the equation.
• Seachem Reef Carbonate – a liquid alkalinity option for dosing pumps.

Covered by the manufacturer's standard warranty against defects, in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Standard freight – this is not a dangerous good or oversize item.

Will Reef Buffer crash my calcium?

Not on its own, but overdosing alkalinity relative to calcium can pull calcium out of solution. Keep alkalinity under 6 meq/L and dose calcium separately.

Can I dose Reef Buffer and Reef Complete together?

Not in the same dose – mix and add them at least 30 minutes apart, or on alternate days, so the carbonate and calcium don't react before they've dispersed through the tank.

How often do I need to dose it?

There's no fixed schedule – test alkalinity and pH and dose to match what your system is using, typically every few days to twice weekly in an established reef.

Is Reef Buffer reef safe?

Yes, it's formulated for reef systems and is phosphate-free, but always dose to a test result rather than by guesswork.