First Buffer?

[trigger78]

Ok, I started off using a fasTest pH kit and didn't like how the readings were. Too hard to tell exactly what the reading was. Could tell it was around 8.2 or 8.3 but not exactly. So, I bought an Aquarium Pharmaceuticals pH test and am still not happy with the read outs. I can now determine that my pH is around 8.05 and want to Buffer the tank. I bought pH 8.3 by Seachem, Marine Buffer. The directions say it won't over buff and to use one teaspoon for 20 gal. Should I use two and a have teaspoons or add a little then test a few days later etc.... Also, I don't have an alkalinity test yet. All I have is NO2, NO3, Ammonia, and pH kits. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks -Alex

 

[cprdnick]

I bought that PH buffer from seachem, I wasn't impressed with it. It did the job but took forever to dissolve.

 

[jrpage]

Originally posted by cprdnick
I bought that PH buffer from seachem, I wasn't impressed with it. It did the job but took forever to dissolve.

 

[squidd]

I use the Kent Superbuffer-dkh...it "seems' to hold alk level longer than the Seachem did, but I've changed other things too (checking and adjusting Calcium and Mag levels as well as dripping Kalk) so it's not a fair comparison between the two products.
I would suggest getting a Calcium and Alk test kit and possibly getting you Magnesium level checked before starting a regime of dosing Buffer to raise pH...
The three (four actually) are interrelated and you may find yourself chasing numbers or overdosing if you don't know where your starting from or have the ability to check where you are.
:thinking:

 

[zanemoseley]

how bout trying bionic 2 part buffer/calcium

 

[bang guy]

Trigger, there's probably absolutely nothing wrong with your PH.
It has been my experience that hobbiests that try to control PH using buffer end up chasing numbers and cause a LOT more harm than good.
Take your PH reading first thing in the AM and then again just before the lights go off. Average them... what did you get? That's a far more accurate measure of what your PH level is.

 

[cprdnick]

I bought the Kent Superbuffer dkh that squidd mentioned, and liked it, but then I realized that I was doing exactly like Bang said, I was just chasing numbers. I bought the B-ionic calcium kit. I did this to bring up my calcium, but in doing so, the alk/cal, was keeping my pH right where I wanted it. I haven't had an off number since I started using it.

 

[trigger78]

Originally posted by Bang Guy
Trigger, there's probably absolutely nothing wrong with your PH.
It has been my experience that hobbiests that try to control PH using buffer end up chasing numbers and cause a LOT more harm than good.
Take your PH reading first thing in the AM and then again just before the lights go off. Average them... what did you get? That's a far more accurate measure of what your PH level is.
Thanks Bang, I'll try that and see what the numbers are. -Alex