Why is Marine Buffer frowned upon?

[pal98111]

The alkalinity and ph in my tank are both low -- around 7 and about 7.0 - 7.4, respectively. I added an air stone to improve oxygen uptake but that didn't make any difference that I can tell. I recently added some Seahem Marine Buffer to increase both. However, I have read that I should not add a buffer. However, I have also read that adding baking soda is okay. What is the specific reason that the buffer is not good.

 

[bluemon]

Can't speak on the buffer, but might need a bit more information.

What is the size of the tank, what are its inhabitants what are you using to test pH?

The Alk isn't too low, its around NSW levels, (although I like 9 in most tanks), meaning pH should not actually be that low. Your test kit could be faulty.

Do you have a refugium?

Some basic info on your tank would be nice

 

[pal98111]

Can't speak on the buffer, but might need a bit more information.

What is the size of the tank, what are its inhabitants what are you using to test pH?

The Alk isn't too low, its around NSW levels, (although I like 9 in most tanks), meaning pH should not actually be that low. Your test kit could be faulty.

Do you have a refugium?

Some basic info on your tank would be nice

I have a 10 gallon tank, HOB filter, 2 fish and a shrimp, I use a Tropic marine test for ph and alk. No refugium.

 

[bluemon]

I have a 10 gallon tank, HOB filter, 2 fish and a shrimp, I use a Tropic marine test for ph and alk. No refugium.

What fish are they?

And are you planning on adding any corals?

And what salt are you using? What does the newly mixed salt test as (pH and alk)

 

[Pickle_soup]

The alkalinity and ph in my tank are both low -- around 7 and about 7.0 - 7.4, respectively. I added an air stone to improve oxygen uptake but that didn't make any difference that I can tell. I recently added some Seahem Marine Buffer to increase both. However, I have read that I should not add a buffer. However, I have also read that adding baking soda is okay. What is the specific reason that the buffer is not good.

Why not add buffers? I love my Seachem buffer 8.3. What arguments were made against it?

 

[killer2001]

Typically people will jack up their alkalinity just to get the pH to an acceptable level when the real issue in the CO2 in the room.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Why not add buffers? I love my Seachem buffer 8.3. What arguments were made against it?

There are multiple issues that may be what the op is referring to.

1. Buffers in general are not a good way to deal with pH issues. They typically raise alkalinity excessively without solving pH problems. If you want to raise pH, carbonate is the second best bet, and hydroxide is best. Buffers which are usually a mix of bicarbonate and carbonate (such as the 8.3 you mention) has a smaller effect than carbonate.

2. There is a specific issue with Seachem Marine buffer, and some related products that add carbonate/bicarbonate and borate, but only bicarbonate/carbonate is greatly consumed by calcifying corals.

 

[blaxsun]

The biggest thing I've found (in the past) is that the buffer is only a temporary/bandaid solution, ie: it only lasts for a short while before you have to actively dose again.