Discus Buffer 1kg**

Discus Buffer helps to replicate the ideal Discus environment (low pH and low GH (General Hardness)). Discus Buffer will lower pH and keep it lowered. Discus Buffer also softens water by precipitating calcium and magnesium. Use Discus Trace to restore the proper level of trace elements required by thriving, healthy Discus.

DIRECTIONS: Use 1 level teaspoon (7 g) for every 40 L (10 gallons*) daily until intended pH is reached. Thereafter, use once a month or with water changes as required to maintain pH. To raise pH, use Neutral Regulator. To target a particular pH use in combination with Neutral Regulator following the chart on the bottle (or Seachem’s website). This chart assumes the use of unbuffered water (RO or DI). If water is already buffered use the chart as a starting guide. Use AquaLife Complete on water before doing a water change.

Neutral Regulator Discus Buffer pH

1 1 6.8

1 2 6.4

1 3 6.2

1 4 6.1

1 6 6.0

1 9 5.8

FAQ from Seachem
Q: What is the difference between Neutral Regulator, Discus Buffer, Alkaline Buffer, and Acid Buffer?

A: Neutral Regulator and Discus Buffer are phosphate based buffers providing a very strong and stable buffering system. Alkaline Buffer and Acid Buffer are non-phosphate buffers, which although less stable than a phosphate buffer, are ideal for the planted aquarium where high phosphate levels would lead to an algae problem.

Q: I have a fish only freshwater tank and need to lower my pH. I am afraid to use Discus Buffer because it contains phosphates. What should I do?

A: Phosphate is nothing to be concerned with in a fish only system. Phosphate concerns are a carry over from reef keepers where even a small amount of phosphate can present problems for many corals. It is really an insignificant property in freshwater systems unless it is a planted tank with a very intense lighting system. If you are still concerned about phosphate causing algae problems in a fish-only tank, rest assured that phosphate in itself does not cause algae; algae requires light that is in the blue spectrum for photosynthesis. Standard aquarium light is weak in the blue spectrum and strong in the red range and does not easily support algae growth. This makes the colors on fish seem brighter. It also makes brown fish look more red.

Q: I am currently trying to reduce my pH of 8.2 and hardness of 300 ppm tap water to a pH of 6.8 and hardness of 50 ppm so I can add Discus to my aquarium. I’ve ordered Discus Buffer and Neutral regulator. How much of each should I use in an 80 gallon aquarium? Also, how effective are your buffers in softening my hard water? (Will I need peat in addition to your buffers to get the water soft enough at these lowere pH’s?)

A: Neutral Regulator and Discus Buffer are extremely effective at bring your pH down and softening your water. You will initially see cloudiness as the buffers work to soften your water by precipitating out excess calcium and magnesium but should dissipate from your system.

Neutral Regulator and Discus Buffer can be used in combination to achieve a desired pH when performing water changes or adding top off water. The ratio chart on the back of the label is designed for r/o water where there is generally no buffering capacity. Since you are using tap water, a little testing will be needed to establish the exact ratios to bring you pH down to 6.8. Example: in r/o water you would use 1 part Discus Buffer to 1 part Neutral Regulator for a pH of 6.8, but in tapwater, since there is already a buffering capacity present, you may need to use 2 parts Discus Buffer to 1 part Neutral Regulator to achieve a pH of 6.8.

As for bringing down the pH in your existing system, you can use 1 level teaspoon of Discus Buffer (7 g) for every 40 L (10 gallons) daily until intended pH is reached. Neutral Regulator can be used to increase the pH, if needed. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Q: I would just like to know what the difference is with the Discus Buffer in white 4 kgrm bucket and black 4 kgrm bucket.

A: Same product, we are simply switching over to white buckets.

Q: What do I do if Discus Buffer makes my freshwater tank cloudy; how do I clear it up?

A: The cloudiness you experienced is caused by the precipitation of excess calcium and magnesium. In excessively hard water, the precipitation could cause a clouded or chalky hazed appearance. To clear this, you can use a water clarifier (flocculate) as they tend to work fast and are available at most aquarium shops. You could also wait for this precipitate to fall out of solution on it’s own (fall to the bottom of the aquarium) but this would take considerably longer than using a flocculate. You can also use a fine mechanical filter (floss or micron) to catch these particles. Please refer to my previous response for further advice.

Q: Should Discus Buffer not be used at all in planted aquariums? I was told it would be ok.

A: Discus Buffer (phosphate based) is OK to use in a planted aquarium but bicarbonate based buffering systems are generally more accepted in planted aquariums as to not introduce any excess phosphate. You can achieve a bicarbonate based buffering system with our Alkaline Buffer and Acid Buffer.