How to add Seachem Reef buffer?

[Darryn Lyon]

I need to preface this by saying im still new to reef tanks, only been doing it for about 2 months, and my tank is doing pretty well. I need to bump by alkalinity from 7 to 10 and my pH from 8 to around 8.4. I got some Seachem Reef Buffer and I'm a little confused on how to use it. I need to add it to FRESH water and dump that water in my tank? Or am I just reading the directions incorrectly?

 

[jboone82590]

Following along
And don't use fresh water
only use RO water

 

[Darryn Lyon]

Reverse osmosis water? It's ok to just add freshwater to the tank? Won't that mess with salinity?

 

[Ocelaris]

Those numbers are whack, you really don't need to reach those numbers.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/

 

[adestafi]

what are the rest of your parameters? you may not need to change anything...

 

[fishkeeper2]

I need to preface this by saying im still new to reef tanks, only been doing it for about 2 months, and my tank is doing pretty well. I need to bump by alkalinity from 7 to 10 and my pH from 8 to around 8.4. I got some Seachem Reef Buffer and I'm a little confused on how to use it. I need to add it to FRESH water and dump that water in my tank? Or am I just reading the directions incorrectly?

Correct. Take 250ml+ RO water and dilute the reef buffer. Mix well. Add to tank. Test for carbonate alkalinity.

Note that you can overdose using this additive.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I personally would not use this product at all. It has excessive borate in it that long term will accumulate. It is not intended for a reef tank.

But if you want to use it, use it only to boost the alkalinity, and ignore what the pH gets to, as it almost certainly will not boost pH very much.

Dissolve it in fresh water and add to a high flow area away from corals.

 

[GoVols]

I personally would not use this product at all. It has excessive borate in it that long term will accumulate. It is not intended for a reef tank.

But if you want to use it, use it only to boost the alkalinity, and ignore what the pH gets to, as it almost certainly will not boost pH very much.

Dissolve it in fresh water and add to a high flow area away from corals.

Randy,
Is Seachem "Reef Builder" high in borate too?

Also, How does the long term accumulation of borate "effect" a reef tank?

Regards, GoVols

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

No just the Marine Buffer.

I'm not sure on the tox concern levels, but as borate elevates, folks can become misled as to the available carbonate alk because more and more of the total alk measured by a kit is borate alkalinity.

 

[GoVols]

No just the Marine Buffer.

I'm not sure on the tox concern levels, but as borate elevates, folks can become misled as to the available carbonate alk because more and more of the total alk measured by a kit is borate alkalinity.

Randy,
Thank you as always.
I use "Reef Builder" from time to bump alk.

Regards, GoVols

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

That should be fine.

Happy Reefing.