How to Use Seachem Acid Buffer

Seachem Acid Buffer is a powdered chemical that is used to lower the pH, or raise acidity levels, in aquariums. It is manufactured in the United States by specialty aquarium chemical manufacturer Seachem. Seachem Acid Buffer is based on a proprietary mixture of bisulfate salts and it does not contain phosphates. Therefore, it does not have an adverse effect on aquatic plant growth. It efficiently lowers the pH of alkaline as necessary so that your aquatic plants are provided with an ideal environment. You can also use it with Seachem Alkaline Buffer if the pH of your water is unstable.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring teaspoon
  • Seachem Alkaline Buffer if necessary to balance pH
  • pH test kit
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Instructions

  1. Acid Buffer for Hard Water

    • 1

      Measure 1/4 tsp. of Seachem Acid Buffer for every 20 gallons of water in your aquarium.

    • 2

      Add the buffer directly to your aquarium water.

    • 3

      Test the pH of your aquarium water with a pH test kit the day after you first treat the water with the acid buffer.

    • 4

      Add additional Seachem Acid Buffer every day until your water reaches the desired pH. Test your water at intervals to make sure it retains this pH.

    Acid and Alkaline Buffer

    • 5

      Measure 1/4 tsp. of Seachem Acid Buffer for every 20 gallons of water in your aquarium.

    • 6

      Add it directly to your aquarium water or to the storage or filter tank where you are treating deionized or reverse osmosis filtered water for subsequent addition to your aquarium.

    • 7

      Measure Seachem Alkaline Buffer as follows depending on the pH that is required for your plants or fish:

      1/8 tsp. for every 20 liters of water to reach a pH of 5.0,

      1/4 tsp. for every 20 liters of water to reach a pH of 6.0,

      1/3 tsp. for every 20 liters of water to reach a pH of 6.5,

      1/2 tsp for every 20 liters of water to reach a pH of 7.0,

      5/8 tsp. for every 20 liters of water to reach a pH of 7.5, and

      1 tsp. for every 20 liters of water to reach a pH of 8.0

    • 8

      Add the Seachem Alkaline Buffer directly to your aquarium or storage tank.

    • 9

      Transfer any treated water from an outside tank to your aquarium as soon as you have added the acid and base buffers.

    • 10

      Test the pH of your water on a regular basis and adjust as necessary with Seachem Acid Buffer, Seachem Alkaline Buffer or both.