Seachem Acid Buffer

Seachem Acid Buffer

Seachem Acid Buffer is a non-phosphate pH-lowering buffer for planted aquariums and aquariums with very hard or alkaline water. It is designed for aquarists who want to reduce pH while converting carbonate alkalinity (KH) into available CO2 for planted aquarium conditions.

Key Benefits

• Lowers aquarium pH within an adjustment range of 5.0–8.0.
• Converts carbonate alkalinity (KH) into available CO2 as it lowers pH.
• Contains no phosphate.
• Useful where phosphate buffers may create algae or cloudiness concerns.
• Can be used with Seachem Alkaline Buffer for more controlled pH and KH adjustment.

How to Use

Add the product daily until the desired pH is reached. Larger doses may be needed in very hard (high-KH) or alkaline water. For gradual pH adjustment, or where aquarium water is soft or not well buffered, use Seachem Acid Buffer together with Seachem Alkaline Buffer.

Dosage

To lower pH, use 1/4 teaspoon (2g) for every 80 L (20 US gallons) daily until the desired pH is reached. This dose lowers alkalinity by about 0.2 meq/L (0.6 dKH).

Compatibility

Seachem Acid Buffer is compatible with Seachem Alkaline Buffer. When using both products to target a specific pH, determine the required amount of Alkaline Buffer for the aquarium volume and desired KH, then use the suggested ratio chart to calculate the required Acid Buffer amount. A Seachem Digital Spoon Scale can be used for precise dosing.

Suitable For

Planted freshwater aquariums, particularly setups requiring lower pH, added available CO2 from carbonate alkalinity, or more careful management of hard and alkaline water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Seachem Acid Buffer do in a planted aquarium?
It lowers pH and converts carbonate alkalinity (KH) into available CO2, making it suited to planted aquarium water management.

Does Seachem Acid Buffer contain phosphate?
No. It is a non-phosphate buffer, which can be useful where phosphate buffers may contribute to algae or cloudiness concerns.

How much Seachem Acid Buffer should I dose?
Use 1/4 teaspoon (2g) per 80 L (20 US gallons) daily until the required pH is reached. This dosage lowers alkalinity by approximately 0.2 meq/L (0.6 dKH).

Can I use Acid Buffer in very hard South African tap water?
Yes. It is designed for planted aquariums and very hard water, although larger doses may be required where KH or alkalinity is high.

Can I combine Seachem Acid Buffer with Alkaline Buffer?
Yes. Using the two buffers together allows more gradual and precise pH adjustment; when combined, they buffer between pH 6.0 and 8.0.

Should I use Acid Buffer alone in soft water?
For soft or poorly buffered water, use it with Seachem Alkaline Buffer to adjust pH more gradually.

When can I expect delivery?

• Gauteng (Jhb/Pta) - 1-3 working days
• Nationwide (Cpt/Dbn+) - 2-5 working days
• Outlying Areas - 3-7 working days

All orders are sent via Economy Road, typically through Fastway or Internet Express Couriers*. Estimated timeframes are not guaranteed. Once the order is collected by the courier, we have no control over third-party logistics and cannot make any time promises.

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