Seachem Reef Builder 600g - Alkalinity

Seachem Reef Builder 600g raises carbonate alkalinity (KH) in reef aquariums without an immediate impact on pH. Its blend of carbonate sources supports alkalinity maintenance, with long-term use tending to stabilise pH at 8.3.

Used as directed, Reef Builder will not deplete calcium, magnesium or strontium. Overdosing can cause excess alkalinity and increase the loss of these elements. Test alkalinity and adjust dosing to your aquarium's needs.

Reef Builder or Reef Buffer?

Use Reef Builder to raise carbonate alkalinity without an immediate pH change. Reef Buffer is intended to raise both carbonate alkalinity and pH. Seachem states that the two may be used together.

Seachem recommends reef alkalinity of 3–5 meq/L (8–14 dKH), and advises against allowing it to fall below 2 meq/L.

Beginner dosing

• Use 3g (half a level teaspoon) per 150 litres twice a week.
• Dissolve in at least 250mL (one cup) of freshwater.
• Check alkalinity every two weeks and adjust the amount or frequency accordingly.
• For precise dosing, Seachem recommends its Digital Spoon Scale.

Advanced dosing

• Check alkalinity, then follow the regimen above until it reaches 4–5 meq/L.
• Each 3g per 150 litres raises alkalinity by approximately 0.25 meq/L.
• Adjust quantity or frequency as required, but do not exceed 12g per 150 litres per day.
• Thereafter, dose as required to maintain alkalinity.

Expert dosing: top-off or continuous drip

First determine your aquarium's alkalinity consumption rate. Seachem gives the formula m = 0.08 × v × a, where m is the grams to add to top-off water, v is aquarium volume in litres and a is the required alkalinity increase in meq/L.

For example, a 1 meq/L increase in a 200-litre aquarium requires 16g in the top-off water. Reference: approximately 3.8 litres per US gallon and 6g per teaspoon. Seachem recommends MultiTest Marine pH & Alkalinity to measure total alkalinity.

Important supplement precautions

• Do not overdose. Excess alkalinity may increase loss of calcium, magnesium and strontium.
• Do not directly mix with calcium, magnesium or strontium supplements.
• Add calcium and carbonate supplements on alternate days or at least 30 minutes apart.

Carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride and sulfate salts of sodium, magnesium, calcium, strontium and potassium.

Each gram contains a minimum of 12 meq of alkalinity.