Alkalinity and KH Buffer

Punchanello · 01/04/2018, 11:20 PM

Hi all,

I've been researching the 3 part dosing products and I noticed that the Aquaforest products refer to their KH Buffer rather than an Alkalinity solution like some other products.

Is this just a different way of expressing the same thing or is it actually a different method for achieving necessary alkalinity levels?

I'm not very familiar with chemistry so this might be a dumb question.

RobZilla04 · 01/05/2018, 07:15 AM

Good read on this in the link below. Scroll to the "What is "Buffering"" section.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/5/chemistry

If I understand correctly, I believe they are mislabeling their Alk supplement as a buffer.

mcgyvr · 01/05/2018, 08:28 AM

Typically buffer is used with PH.. ALK and PH are um... similar in some aspects but its probably just a language thing.. Failed/faulty translation of sorts..

nereefpat · 01/05/2018, 08:29 AM

Good link.

In general, yes... What the marketing "geniuses" call buffers are simply alkalinity supplements. Some are baking soda. Some are baked baking soda. Most are a mixture of both.

bertoni · 01/05/2018, 04:01 PM

The terms are largely interchangeable in hobbyist usage as far as supplements. This article defines alkalinity carefully:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/2/chemistry

All buffers add alkalinity.

Punchanello · 01/07/2018, 07:42 PM

Thanks everyone. That helps a lot.

01/04/2018, 11:20 PM	#1
Punchanello Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Australia Posts: 170	Alkalinity and KH Buffer Hi all, I've been researching the 3 part dosing products and I noticed that the Aquaforest products refer to their KH Buffer rather than an Alkalinity solution like some other products. Is this just a different way of expressing the same thing or is it actually a different method for achieving necessary alkalinity levels? I'm not very familiar with chemistry so this might be a dumb question. __________________ Don't ask me, I'm new here. My tank build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2647315 Last edited by Punchanello; 01/07/2018 at 07:25 PM.

01/05/2018, 07:15 AM	#2
RobZilla04 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: St. Augustine, FL Posts: 1,857	Good read on this in the link below. Scroll to the "What is "Buffering"" section. http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/5/chemistry If I understand correctly, I believe they are mislabeling their Alk supplement as a buffer. __________________ 90g Mixed Reef

01/05/2018, 08:28 AM	#3
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Typically buffer is used with PH.. ALK and PH are um... similar in some aspects but its probably just a language thing.. Failed/faulty translation of sorts.. __________________ Who me?

01/05/2018, 08:29 AM	#4
nereefpat Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Central Nebraska Posts: 3,190	Good link. In general, yes... What the marketing "geniuses" call buffers are simply alkalinity supplements. Some are baking soda. Some are baked baking soda. Most are a mixture of both. __________________ Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers

01/05/2018, 04:01 PM	#5
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	The terms are largely interchangeable in hobbyist usage as far as supplements. This article defines alkalinity carefully: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/2/chemistry All buffers add alkalinity. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

01/07/2018, 07:42 PM	#6
Punchanello Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Australia Posts: 170	Thanks everyone. That helps a lot. __________________ Don't ask me, I'm new here. My tank build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2647315