Seachem Reef Builder vs. Reef Buffer

[Gary Majchrzak]

Hi Randy. What is the difference between Seachem Reef Builder and Reef Buffer? I cannot seem to search up a clear answer. {I have no experience using either product.}
Are there certain situations where you would recommend using one over the other?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Are there certain situations where you would recommend using one over the other?

Reef Builder

http://www.seachem.com/en_products/product_pages/036_reef_builder.html

Reef Buffer:

http://www.seachem.com/en_products/product_pages/067_reef_bffer.html

Seachem says:

"Use Reef Builder™ to raise carbonate alkalinity without affecting pH. Use Reef Buffer™ to raise carbonate alkalinity and pH."

I expect that Reef Builder is to Reef Buffer as baking soda is to washing soda (though both Seachem products probably contain some bicarbonate and some carbonate, just different ratios).

So if you want to raise alk and pH, use the Reef Buffer (or washing soda) If you want to raise alk but not pH, use the Reef Builder (or baking soda).

[Gary Majchrzak]

Thanks for the quick reply, Randy. I've been using baking soda. Are there any advantages in switching to "Reef Builder" from Arm & Hammer baking soda to raise alkalinity alone?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Are there any advantages in switching to "Reef Builder" from Arm & Hammer baking soda to raise alkalinity alone?

Not that I know of.

[ri]

One advantage to using Arm and Hammer...

I have to buy the Seachem product, there's always baking soda in the food pantry. Leaves more $$ for livestock and test kits! :D

ri

[Gary Majchrzak]

Thanks for your time, Randy.
To heck with more money for test kits and livestock, ri. I can use the monetary savings for another dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts!:p

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

I should say that the pH of the Seachem Reef Builder might be a little higher than baking soda, so if low pH is an issue, you might add a little washing soda to it, or heat it up a bit before using it.

Enjoy the donuts!

[Critter!]

I found this tread as my pH has been lower than usual for the last month or so.. I have not heard of washing soda so I looked it up via a web search. Here is the cut and paste. It might be helpful if you were like me, unaware of washing soda:

"A chemical neighbor of baking soda, washing soda (sodium carbonate) is much more strongly alkaline, with a pH around 11."

I think I will put my Seachem Reef Builder away till heating season is over.
John

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I show the pH effect of adding baking soda, washing soda and limewater in this article (section titled Alkalinity Supplements):

The Relationship Between Alkalinity and pH.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/may2002/chem.htm

[Critter!]

Wow, Randy, You must be sitting on your computer! Thanks for the fast reply and link.
Dumb question, do you buy washing soda at the grocery? In the soap isle?

[bertoni]

I thought the Reef Buffer had borates included... Would that be an issue, if true?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Dumb question, do you buy washing soda at the grocery? In the soap isle?

Yes

I thought the Reef Buffer had borates included... Would that be an issue, if true?

I don't believe that one does, at least as told to me by Seachem folks. If true, it would be undesirable, IMO.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I discuss boron, or lack thereof, in alkalinity supplements (including the ones mentioned in this thread) in this article:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/dec2002/chem.htm