FAQ: My pH won't change using Seachem Reef Builder™! How do I get it to budge?

If you're having trouble changing your pH, it's likely that you have a buildup of buffers or acids (or both!) in your system.  You may also have an imbalance of other ions in the system.  These issues can hold your pH in place despite the regular addition of buffers.  Here's how to get your pH to change in a reef tank.

If your pH is too low:

1. Check your alkalinity. This is a measure of how resistant your pH is to change, and will go up when you add buffers like Reef Builder™ to the system.  Your alkalinity could be too low to counteract the amount of acids in your tank which are holding your pH down.  If your alkalinity is too low, dose more Reef Builder™.
2. Do regular water changes.  One of the primary causes of low pH in a reef system is a buildup of organic acids in the aquarium.  Regular water changes with properly formulated salt water dilute down these acids and prevent this depression of the pH.
3. Correct ionic imbalances. Factors like low magnesium or super-high calcium can have a surprising impact on the pH of the system. Make sure these parameters are in the proper range for saltwater.
4. Consider using Reef Buffer.  Reef Builder™ is intended to bolster alkalinity without having a strong impact on pH, although it will tend to regulate the pH to 8.3.  If this regulation is not enough (all other factors are perfect but your pH is still too low) it may mean that you need a buffer that targets a pH higher than 8.3 like Reef Buffer™ or Reef Carbonate™.

If your pH is too high:

1. Check your alkalinity.  This is a measure of how resistant your pH is to change, and will go up when you add buffers like Reef Builder™ to the system.  Your alkalinity is probably quite high, and is resisting the downward pull of acid sources in the aquarium.  Hold off on buffers for a while, and the pH should fall on its own over time.
2. Avoid overusing buffers.  If your alkalinity (KH) is too high, it will tend to drag your pH upward.  As with all things in fish-keeping, moderation is key when trying to maintain a stable pH.
3. Address alternate buffer sources in the aquarium.  Calcium reactors, kalkwasser drip systems, and certain types of specialty filtration will raise your pH and alkalinity over time. Know what your filter medias and supplements are intended to do in order to avoid accidentally raising your pH and alkalinity.