Reef Buffer� will also raise carbonate alkalinity; however, it is intended primarily for use as a buffer in a reef system where the maintenance of a pH of 8.3 is often difficult. When pH is not an issue, Reef Builder� or Reef Carbonate� should be your first choice for a carbonate alkalinity supplement.
Reef Buffer� is specifically designed to meet the needs and requirements of the closed reef environment. The principal difference between Reef Buffer� and Marine Buffer� is that the pK of Reef Buffer� is slightly higher than that of Marine Buffer�. The pK of a buffering agent is equivalent to the pH around which that buffer most strongly buffers. One would presume, then, that the pK of a saltwater buffer should be 8.3; however, the multitude of organic acids produced by the inhabitants of a reef system forces pH downward to a much greater degree than in a non-reef, marine system. A buffer with a pK of 8.3 would end up yielding a pH more in the range of 8.0-8.2. Reef Buffer's � higher pK (8.6) allows for greater pH stability in a reef system where the bioload is significantly more than in a fish only system.

Sizes: 50 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 4 kg, 20 kg

Competing products are not designed specifically for the reef environment; the pK is too low (in most cases, pK 8.3). At this pK, the proper pH can never be reached in saltwater. Reef Buffer's� higher pK (8.6) allows for greater pH stability in a reef system where the bioload is significantly more than in a fish only system.