Seachem Reef Builder raises carbonate alkalinity without immediately impacting on pH. With long term use there will be a tendency to stabilize at pH 8.3. Carbonates and calcium are essential to all coral growth. If either becomes deficient, coral growth will cease, followed by a rapid decline in coral health. Used as directed, Reef Builder will not deplete calcium, magnesium, or strontium which usually tend to precipitate with increasing alkalinity. Reef Builder and
Reef Buffer may be used together. Use Reef Builder to raise carbonate alkalinity without affecting pH. Use Reef Buffer to raise carbonate alkalinity and pH.
- BEGINNER: Use 3 grams per 40 gallons twice a week. Dissolve in at least 250 ml of freshwater. Check alkalinity every 2 weeks and adjust amount or frequency accordingly.
- ADVANCED: Check alkalinity, then follow addition regimen above until alkalinity is adjusted to 4–5 meq/L. Each 3 g/150 L will raise alkalinity by about 0.25 meq/L. Quantity or frequency can be adjusted, but do not exceed 12 g/150 L per day. Thereafter, use as required to maintain alkalinity.
- EXPERT: After determining the alkalinity consumption rate, set up a continuous drip system. Use the following formula to determine how much to add to your top-off water: m=0.08va (m=grams to add to top off water, v=volume of tank in liters, a=amount to raise alkalinity in meq/L). For example, if you want to raise your alkalinity by 1 meq/L in a 200 liter tank, then you would add 0.08x200x1=16 g into the top-off water.