pH 8.3 Seachem

[warren4066]

Has anyone used pH 8.3 Seachem Marine Buffer? If so, what are the pros and cons of this product. Thanks.

[fareforce]

I use it.. They make two different types. One that you can overshoot your ph and one you can't. I would reccomend the one you can't. The way it works it the stuff in the bottle in already at 8.3 so you can't go higher no matter how much you mess up.

That said, I haven't tested the "messing up" method. But that is what seachem says

[warren4066]

okay, i got the one that if you even overdose you can't go over 8.3.

[bertoni]

I am doubtful that the product will actually not push the tank over 8.3 in pH, unless you mean the Marine Buffer, which isn't recommended for reef tanks (by the manufacturer) because it contains borates. Actually, even that one has spiked a tank or two, I believe.

I would avoid adding pH control products like that. They will add alkalinity and using them to control pH will put the chemistry out of whack.

[bertoni]

Oops, meant to add that most people use these products to keep the pH up. This article talks about such problems:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.php

[Paintbug]

i used the seachem marine buffer. it knocked my alk way out of control! only took about 2 months before i got it back down. i have a brand new 1 kilogram bottle if someone needs some.

[Ti]

it overshoots ph initially, but once it settles it is 8.3.
The seachem rep addressed this issue b4.

[bertoni]

Yes, but I personally don't think that's good enough. I don't want to spike pH, period. There's a thread in the Reef Discussion about someone's experience with this product that might be interesting.

[warren4066]

Okay, so my pH is 7.8 since I started the tank up and it has never changed. its been about 6 weeks now. I know its suppose to be somewhere about 8.3, but what would you do?

[bertoni]

What is the alkalinity measurement for the tank? If that's okay, more aeration might help. The article I posted talks about the issues.

[Shoestring Reefer]

Originally posted by bertoni
I would avoid adding pH control products like that. They will add alkalinity and using them to control pH will put the chemistry out of whack.

[frank2926]

This may help!
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

[Ti]

Originally posted by bertoni
Yes, but I personally don't think that's good enough. I don't want to spike pH, period. There's a thread in the Reef Discussion about someone's experience with this product that might be interesting.

Well the seachem rep said people should be leting it sit to settle b4 putting it into a tank or something like that

[bertoni]

Oh, I see. Their web page doesn't say that, though.