Acid Buffer

Acid Buffer™ is a non-phosphate buffer to lower pH and buffer with Alkaline Buffer™. Both buffers are designed for the planted aquarium or for very hard water where phosphate buffers may pose an algae or cloudiness problem. Acid Buffer™ lowers pH and buffers between 5.0 and 8.0 when used with Alkaline Buffer™. As Acid Buffer™ lowers pH it converts carbonate alkalinity (KH) into available CO2. It may also be used to safely lower pH in marine water.

Available Sizes

70 g, 300 g, 600 g, 1.2 kg, 4 kg, 20 kg, 100 kg

Why It's Different

What distinguishes Acid Buffer™ from other buffers is that it does not contain phosphates. This makes it ideal for the planted aquarium, where excess phosphate could contribute to undesirable algae growth.

Directions

To lower pH, use 2 g (1⁄4 teaspoon) to every 80 L (20 gallons*) daily until intended pH is reached (this dose lowers alkalinity by about 0.2 meq/L (0.6 dKH)). Best if added directly to aquarium. If water is soft or not well buffered, use with Alkaline Buffer™ (see below). TIPS: Larger doses may be required in very hard (KH) alkaline waters.

Use these ratios to target pH

Acid Buffer   Alkaline Buffer pH
1 : 0.5 5.0
1 : 1.0 6.0
1 : 1.3 6.5
1 : 2.0 7.0
1 : 2.5 7.5
1 : 4.0 8.0

If using with RO or DI water for a water change, then use with Alkaline Buffer™ at a fixed ratio (see chart) to set the desired pH. Once pH is set add water to aquarium as soon as possible to avoid pH fluctuations (for best results, base ratio on weight of product added).