{"product_id":"seachem-reef-builder-reef-aquarium-alkalinity-supplement-600-g-low-ph-impact","title":"Seachem Reef Builder Reef Aquarium Alkalinity Supplement, 600 g, Low pH Impact","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeachem Reef Builder is a reef aquarium supplement for raising carbonate alkalinity (KH), supplied in a 600 g (1.3 lb) container.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRaises carbonate alkalinity with minimal impact on pH — adjust KH without immediately shifting pH.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUses a blend of carbonate sources — unlike bicarbonate-only products, it will not lower pH.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen used as directed, does not deplete calcium, magnesium or strontium — these minerals can precipitate as alkalinity rises.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong-term use tends toward pH 8.3 — a stated outcome of ongoing use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef Builder and Reef Buffer have different roles — use Reef Builder for KH without raising pH, or Reef Buffer to raise KH and pH.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarbonates and calcium are essential to coral growth — deficiencies can stop growth and be followed by a rapid decline in coral health.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintaining carbonate alkalinity is part of supporting a reef aquarium where corals rely on both carbonates and calcium for growth. Reef Builder is made for aquarists who want to raise KH while keeping the immediate effect on pH low. It focuses on alkalinity rather than serving as a product for raising both alkalinity and pH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Reef Builder raise carbonate alkalinity without raising pH?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Seachem Reef Builder raises carbonate alkalinity with minimal immediate impact on pH. Its blend of carbonate sources is formulated not to lower pH, unlike bicarbonate-only products that can have that effect. With long-term use, pH tends to stabilize at 8.3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntended parameter: carbonate alkalinity (KH).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse it when the goal is to raise KH without raising pH.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy does carbonate alkalinity matter for coral growth?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarbonates and calcium are essential to coral growth. When either becomes deficient, coral growth can cease, followed by a rapid decline in coral health. Reef Builder raises carbonate alkalinity; the product’s stated use as directed will not deplete calcium, magnesium or strontium, minerals that can precipitate as alkalinity increases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse as directed to maintain the product’s stated mineral balance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef Builder addresses carbonate alkalinity; it is not presented as a calcium supplement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow is Reef Builder different from Reef Buffer?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeachem Reef Builder raises carbonate alkalinity without affecting pH, while Reef Buffer raises both carbonate alkalinity and pH. The two products may be used together, with each serving its stated role in adjusting these aquarium parameters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef Builder: raise carbonate alkalinity without affecting pH.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef Buffer: raise carbonate alkalinity and pH.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeachem Reef Builder suits reef aquarists seeking to raise carbonate alkalinity while limiting immediate pH impact, particularly when maintaining the carbonate availability corals need for growth. It is a KH-focused supplement rather than the option for raising pH at the same time. Its purpose is to adjust carbonate alkalinity, with Reef Buffer serving the combined KH-and-pH role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"product-faq-snippet\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: What does Seachem Reef Builder do?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Seachem Reef Builder raises carbonate alkalinity (KH) with minimal immediate impact on pH in reef aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: Can Seachem Reef Builder be used with Reef Buffer?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Yes. Seachem Reef Builder and Reef Buffer may be used together; Reef Builder raises KH without affecting pH, while Reef Buffer raises KH and pH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Seachem","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55659896504663,"sku":"B00025K1ES","price":34.71,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1056\/4780\/0663\/files\/seachem-reef-builder-front-container.jpg?v=1793312841","url":"https:\/\/bathpetsupplies.co.uk\/products\/seachem-reef-builder-reef-aquarium-alkalinity-supplement-600-g-low-ph-impact","provider":"BathPetSupplies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}