Seachem Tanganyika Buffer
Cost per litre
1.4c
Water type
Freshwater
Seachem Tanganyika Buffer
Recreates Lake Tanganyika's hard, alkaline water for Rift Lake cichlids. Seachem Tanganyika Buffer is a buffering blend that raises pH and carbonate hardness to match the water Tanganyikan cichlids evolved in, without the guesswork of mixing individual salts.
Lake Tanganyika sits at a high, stable pH with high mineral hardness — a long way from typical Australian tap water. Dosed to your own test results, this buffer holds pH in the 9.0–9.4 range these fish need to thrive and breed.
Key features
- Targets pH 9.0–9.4 — the range Tanganyikan cichlids are adapted to, reached by adjusting the dose rather than guessing.
- Dose to your test results — start at the standard rate and fine-tune against a liquid pH test kit rather than a fixed schedule.
- Pairs with Cichlid Lake Salt — buffer sets the pH, salt brings the trace mineral profile the rest of the way.
- Four pack sizes — from a 250 g starter through to a 3.64 kg bulk size for larger systems, with the cost per litre dropping as the pack gets bigger — see below.
Which size do I need?
| Size | Price | Treats (at 5 g per 40 L) | Cost per litre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 g | $28.95 | 2,000 L | 1.4c per litre |
| 500 g | $47.95 | 4,000 L | 1.1c per litre |
| 1 kg | $86.95 | 8,000 L | 1.0c per litre |
| 3.64 kg | $263.95 | 29,120 L | Under 1c per litre |
The 250 g size suits a single small-to-medium tank; the 3.64 kg size is for a large system or dosing several tanks, and works out cheapest per litre treated.
Specifications
| Type | Rift Lake (Tanganyika) buffer |
|---|---|
| Target pH | 9.0–9.4 |
| Dose | 5 g (1 level teaspoon) per 40–80 L, daily until target pH is reached |
| Maintenance | As required, usually no more than once every 2–3 weeks |
| Suitability | Freshwater — Rift Lake (African) cichlid aquariums |
| Brand | Seachem |
Dosage and directions
Use 5 g (1 level teaspoon) for each 40–80 L of water, daily, until the desired pH is attained. Once established, redose as required to maintain pH — usually no more than once every two to three weeks. Dose against your own test kit reading rather than a fixed schedule, since starting water hardness varies.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable for Tanganyikan and other hard-water Rift Lake cichlids that need a stable, elevated pH. Not suitable for soft-water or acid-loving fish and plants — a pH of 9.0–9.4 will stress or kill species adapted to neutral or acidic water.
Goes well with
Seachem Cichlid Lake Salt, for the trace mineral profile alongside the pH buffering, and a liquid pH test kit to dose against actual readings rather than guesswork.
Warranty and delivery
Covered by Seachem's standard quality guarantee in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Standard freight on all four sizes.
Common questions
Will this affect GH as well as pH?
It's formulated primarily as a pH and carbonate hardness buffer for Rift Lake conditions; for the full Tanganyika mineral profile, Seachem pairs it with Cichlid Lake Salt.
How do I know how much to dose?
Start at the standard rate and test. Because starting tap water hardness varies, the exact dose to reach 9.0–9.4 pH will differ tank to tank — a liquid test kit is the only reliable way to fine-tune it.
Can I use it in a community tank with other fish?
Only if every fish and plant in the tank tolerates pH 9.0–9.4. Most community and soft-water species do not — this buffer is for dedicated Rift Lake setups.
Which size should I buy?
Match the size to your system: 250 g for a single tank, stepping up to 1 kg or 3.64 kg for larger systems or multiple tanks, where the cost per litre treated is lowest.
