Acid Buffer

[The Rockster]

Hi,
I have been advised that Seachem Acid Buffer is ideal for killing algae on Co2 glass diffusers, when cleaning the disc's micro pads. Pouring it directly on the pad instantly kills the algae. Do you have any knowledge of this?

Its also suggested that Acid Buffer is a diluted solution of phosphoric acid. Is that correct?

[Tech Support DD]

Thanks for the post! To be honest, I (personally) do not have any knowledge/experience that Acid Buffer is ideal for killing algae on CO2 glass diffusers. Some people in the hobby may do so without issue; others may not. I would recommend checking the forums out there to read about people's experiences with doing so :-)

Also, Acid Buffer is not a diluted solution of phosphoric acid. Acid Buffer is a proprietary blend of powdered bisulfate salts; it is a non-phosphate based buffer.

[Alexa]

I guess what I wasnt getting at first was that Neutral Regulator is a stable buffer, while using Acid Buffer and Alkaline Buffer is not stable, and thus you cant just say "use this much for n gallons."

[Tech Support AN]

The reason phosphate based buffers are more stable then carbonate based buffers is simply because they have more binding sites, which allows them to bind to more acids in the water. However, carbonate based buffers are still very good buffers and are ideal for use in planted aquariums.

You can certainly use the Acid and Alkaline Buffers separately based on a certain amount of gallons if you choose.

The directions for the Alkaline Buffer state:
Use 7 g (1 level teaspoon) for every 40 L (10 gallons*) daily until desired pH is reached (this dose raises alkalinity by about 2 meq/L (5.6 dKH)).
The directions for the Acid Buffer state:
To lower pH, use 2 g (1⁄4 teaspoon) to every 80 L (20 gallons*) daily until intended pH is reached (this dose lowers alkalinity by about 0.2 meq/L (0.6 dKH)).

We recommend using the Alkaline Buffer in conjunction with the Acid Buffer to act somewhat as a parachute to the rapid fall in pH that you would ultimately get with the addition of the Acid Buffer. I personally use these buffers in my planted tank and have been able to stabilize my pH at around 6.8-7.0. It definitely took some patience but after about two weeks of adding the buffers daily, I have been able to reach a steady pH without adding the buffers anymore. I hope this cleared things up and let us know if you have any additional questions.