What did LFS sell me (chem question)

marietrg · 05/19/2013, 06:36 PM

Trying to figure out what the LFS sold me. Gave me two bags of white powder and told me to dissolve in 2 gallon plastic containers

One is labeled "KH"

the other is labeled "in-buffer"

Go two instruction sheets. One says highly effective alkalinity increasing buffer powdered blend. The other says Seachem Reef Buffer.

Which do I use and when

Adamw327 · 05/19/2013, 07:40 PM

...Why would you buy something you have no idea what it is, how its used, or if you need it?

That said. Rule of thumb is dont add anything your not testing for. KH stands for alkalinity i believe, the other is probably a PH buffer or something, which is unnecessary...

You could try googling Seachem Reef Buffer to see what its used for... extremely odd purchase..

NeilFox · 05/19/2013, 07:45 PM

It's baking soda. I hope you didn't pay alot for it. You now have a lifetime supply. You may not need it.

thegrun · 05/19/2013, 10:09 PM

The product they sold you is used to raise your alkalinity. Alkalinity levels is important if you plan on keeping corals, for fish only tanks water changes are usually sufficient to maintain proper levels. If you know your tanks water chemistry levels and post them here we can help you decide what if any additives are appropriate for your tank.

Sk8r · 05/19/2013, 10:12 PM

You also need an alkalinity test. Salifert is the brand I use. If your alkalinity is too low (should be between 8.3-9.3 on the dkh scale), you add buffer.

mikem101 · 05/19/2013, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sk8r

You also need an alkalinity test. Salifert is the brand I use. If your alkalinity is too low (should be between 8.3-9.3 on the dkh scale), you add buffer.

Is that for fish only i know reefs are kept at this range and up to 13 but i didnt know fish only require a 8.3? i was always told a 6-7 would be fine?

05/19/2013, 06:36 PM	#1
marietrg Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 444	What did LFS sell me (chem question) Trying to figure out what the LFS sold me. Gave me two bags of white powder and told me to dissolve in 2 gallon plastic containers One is labeled "KH" the other is labeled "in-buffer" Go two instruction sheets. One says highly effective alkalinity increasing buffer powdered blend. The other says Seachem Reef Buffer. Which do I use and when

05/19/2013, 10:12 PM	#5
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	You also need an alkalinity test. Salifert is the brand I use. If your alkalinity is too low (should be between 8.3-9.3 on the dkh scale), you add buffer. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

05/19/2013, 07:40 PM	#2
Adamw327 Registered Member. Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Owego, New York Posts: 387	...Why would you buy something you have no idea what it is, how its used, or if you need it? That said. Rule of thumb is dont add anything your not testing for. KH stands for alkalinity i believe, the other is probably a PH buffer or something, which is unnecessary... You could try googling Seachem Reef Buffer to see what its used for... extremely odd purchase..

05/19/2013, 07:45 PM	#3
NeilFox Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: DuPont, WA Posts: 947	It's baking soda. I hope you didn't pay alot for it. You now have a lifetime supply. You may not need it.

05/19/2013, 10:09 PM	#4
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	The product they sold you is used to raise your alkalinity. Alkalinity levels is important if you plan on keeping corals, for fish only tanks water changes are usually sufficient to maintain proper levels. If you know your tanks water chemistry levels and post them here we can help you decide what if any additives are appropriate for your tank.