Aquarium owners often report frustration when it comes to maintaining the desired pH. Often the root cause for this lies in the buffering capacity of the water. Maintaining a pH above neutral levels requires buffering to keep it in that range. Likewise, maintaining a low pH is only possible if the water is low in mineral content. It is never wise to simply use a product that immediately alters the pH, without addressing the buffering capacity of the water. Otherwise the pH will continue to drift, often causing more problems than a pH that is stable but not in the desired range. These products will help maintain a stable pH in the acid or alkaline range.

1. API Buffer Max Cichlid

API Buffer Max Cichlid uses a special blend of carbonates, bicarbonates and borates to increase the KH and maintain a stable pH between 7.8 and 8.8. This range is ideal for African cichlids fromLake Victoria, Malawi, Tanganyika, and any of the African rift lakes. Packaged as a powder in an 8.4 ounce bottle with a measuring scoop.More »

2. Caribsea BufferPlus™

Caribsea BufferPlus™ is composed of bicarbonate, carbonate and borate salts and aragonite, to raise the KH and stabilize pH in the 8.3-8.5 range. Although designed for marine aquaria, it is suitable to use for freshwater African tanks that require a high pH for cichlid health. Follow package directions carefully, as it is possible to overdose. Comes in a 16 oz bottle that treats up to 1,440 gallons of aquarium water.More »

3. Microbe-Lift Freshwater pH Buffer Stabilizer

Microbe-Lift Freshwater pH Buffer Stabilizers are a suite of products that are designed for specifc pH ranges, that include; 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, and 8.5. Each is designed to maintain a stable pH of the desired range.

6.5 pH Buffer/Stabilizer contains a proprietary blend of sodium and potassium salts, and is intended for use with Angelfish, Clown Loaches, Discus, Rasboras, and other fish requiring a pH close to 6.5. Comes in an 8.8 oz jar with a measuring scoop, and treats up to 500 gallons of aquarium water.

7.0 pH Buffer/Stabilizer contains a proprietary blend of sodium and potassium salts, and is intended for use with Algae eaters, Silver Dollars, most Tetras, most Loaches, Plecostomus, and other fish requiring a pH close to 7.0. Comes in an 8.8 oz jar with a measuring scoop, and treats up to 500 gallons of aquarium water.

7.5 pH Buffer/Stabilizer contains a proprietary blend of sodium and potassium salts, and is intended for use with Catfish, most Ciclids, Danios, Goldfish, Gouramis, Guppies, Platies, Rainbow Sharks, Redtail Sharks, Swordtails, and other fish requiring a pH close to 7.5. Comes in an 8.8 oz jar with a measuring scoop, and treats up to 500 gallons of aquarium water.

8.5 pH Buffer/Stabilizer is designed for African cichlid tanks, and will maintain a stable pH of approximately 8.5. Comes in an 8.8 oz jar with a measuring scoop, and treats up to 1,250 US gallon.More »

4. Seachem Acid Buffer

Acid Buffer™ is a non-phosphate buffer designed to lower and maintain pH in an acid range. The lack of phosphates is significant, as it will not contribute to algae growth. Follow package directions closely to ensure optimal results. Comes in 70 g, 300 g, 600 g, 1.2 kg, 4 kg, 20 kg, and 100 kg sizes. 300 grams of this product will treat 500 gallons of aquarium water.More »

5. Seachem Alkaline Buffer

Alkaline Buffer™ is a non-phosphate buffer designed to raise and maintain pH in an alkaline range. The lack of phosphates is significant, as it will not contribute to algae growth. Follow package directions closely to ensure optimal results. Comes in 70 g, 300 g, 600 g, 1.2 kg, 4 kg, 20 kg, and 100 kg sizes. 300 grams will treat 500 gallons of aquarium water.More »

6. Seachem Discus Buffer

Seachem Discus Buffer both lowers the pH and softens the water by precipitating calcium and magnesium, to provide the ideal water conditions for Discus. It is recommended that Discus Trace™ be used to restore the proper level of trace elements needed by Discus. Not recommended for aquariums containing live plants. 250 grams treats approximately 800 gallons of aquarium water. Available in 50 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 4 kg, 20 kg, and 100 kg sizes.More »

7. Seachem Gold Buffer

Gold Buffer™is a non-phosphate buffer that will raise and buffer pH, maintaining it between 7.2 and 7.8, which is ideal for Goldfish. Composed of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and bicarbonate salts, it comes in 70 g, 300 g, 4 kg, 20 kg, and 100 kg sizes. 250 grams will treat 400 gallons of aquarium water.More »

8. Seachem Malawi/Victoria Buffer

Malawi/Victoria Buffer™ is a blend of carbonate salts that increases hardness and buffering capacity, as well as pH. Formulated to maintain the pH in a range of 7.8 to 8.4, which is ideal for Malawi/Victoria environment. Should be used with Cichlid Lake Salt™ and Cichlid Trace™ to complete the needs of African cichlids. 300 grams treats 800 to 1,600 gallons of aquarium water. Available in 300 g, 600 g, 1.2 kg, 4 kg, 20 kg, and 100 kg sizes.More »

9. Seachem Neutral Regulator

Neutral Regulator™ is designed to adjust the pH to a neutral level of 7.0 and maintain it in that range. It accomplishes this by calcium and magnesium, thus softening the water as well. It also neutralizes chlorine, chloramine, and ammonia. It can be used in conjunction with Acid or Alkaline buffers to achieve the desired pH level. 250 grams treats over 800 gallons of freshwater. Available in 50 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 4 kg, 20 kg, and 100 kg sizes.More »

10. Seachem Tanganyika Buffer

Tanganyika Buffer™ is a blend of carbonate salts that increases hardness, buffering capacity and raises pH, to replicate the Tanganyikan environment. When used according to product instructions, it will maintain the pH in the range of 9.0–9.4.It is recommended that Cichlid Lake Salt™ and Cichlid Trace™ be used together with this product to provide the proper water conditions needed by Tanganyikans. 250 grams will treat up to 1000 gallons of aquarium water. Comes in 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 4 kg, 20 kg, and 100 kg sizes.More »

11. Tetra EasyBalance Plus

EasyBalance® reduces phosphates, replenishes essential trace elements and minerals, while stabilizing both pH and KH. 500 ml treats 500 gallons of aquarium water. Comes in 250 ml and 500 ml bottles.More »