FAQ: What is the difference between Seachem Alkaline Regulator™ and Alkaline Buffer™?

The difference is that Alkaline Buffer™ is a carbonate/bicarbonate based buffer and Alkaline Regulator™ is a phosphate based buffer. High phosphate levels can promote algae growth so it is often a better choice to use a phosphate free buffer like Alkaline Buffer™. The only drawback to a non-phosphate buffer is that there tends to be more pH fluctuation owing to CO₂ equilibrium. Phosphate buffers lock the pH in quite well and hold it there.