FAQ: I tried to use Seachem Neutral Regulator® to adjust pH to 7.0, but it failed to do so. What am I doing wrong?

There are two different buffering systems you can rely on in freshwater aquariums. The first is a bicarbonate based buffering system and the second is a phosphate based buffering system. Of the two, phosphate based buffers, like Neutral Regulator®, tend to be more stable. In situations where a bicarbonate buffering system is strong, you will need to increase the dosage of Neutral Regulator® until the phosphate based buffer can overcome the bicarbonate based buffering system. You can dose Neutral Regulator® daily until you reach your desired pH. If you want a faster working solution (I'm assuming your pH is too high), you can use our Acid Buffer™ to dissolve some of your bicarbonate based buffering system to make things easier for Neutral Regulator® to work.