Seachem & Kent Buffers

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M

mcmemily

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 6, 2005
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Oregon USA
Anyone used Seachem or Kent Buffers for their cichlid tanks? I'm going to get a Malawi and Tang Buffers, but not sure what is the better brand. I want to make my two tanks perfect again. I think I started to slack on my Malawi tank just a tad and I really want to make my fish as happy as possible. I'm also setting up a tang tank so I want the tank to be perfect before I put fish in.

How about trace minerals?
Vitamin supplements?

Any suggestions? Any info will help!
 
I have not had good success with buffers, the pH fluctuates too much.
 
Helllllooooo? Anybody else make any suggestions? Maybe some advice on what they use and what works well for them?
 
I use Seachem Tang Buffer in my tank and have no problems. My pH stays at 8.8-8.9.

Buffers are two chemicals that by themselves will dissolve to a maximum pH value. Each chemical has a different pH value. Baking soda will dissolve to a max pH of 8.2, for example. The buffer range will be between the two individual values of the compunds. The two compounds dissolve and establish an equilibrium reaction so that if a compound that tends to raise pH comes along the buffer compound with the higher pH will combine with it to lower pH. This forces the equilibrium reaction towards the side with the lower pH compound.The opposite happens when when a compound wants to lower pH.

Complicated process. In order to effectively buffer one must have enough of those buffering compounds to react with other compounds trying to alter the pH. If you don't have enough buffer compound on or the other will deplete, negating the process and you will get pH swings. This is where KH come in. KH is a measure of alkalinity and the waters ability to buffer pH. My KH runs 20 - 22 and my tank pH is rock steady. That means I have enough buffer to react with the raising or lowering culprits.

The advantage of the Seachem or Kent buffers is the compounds they use allow the buffering range to be higher that with baking soda and Epsom salts. It's your call on your approach. You just need enough of it in solution so it can do its job.

Hope this helps...:thumbsup:
 
I just ordered some Seachem. I've got new fish coming on Friday!!!
 
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