Brightwell Aquatics bOOST pH+

Overview

• Increases pH in marine and reef aquaria without affecting alkalinity or calcium level on properly buffered tanks (which is an unusual ability not found in most similar products) .
• Works with buffers and alkalinity products to increase pH to desirable 8,3, 8.4 or 8.5 levels without increasing alkalinity itself (in marine aquariums that have a proper alkalinity of 7.7 to 10 dKH)
• Thought to assist coral growth. Anecdotal evidence shows higher pH allows increased growth rate in new frags and mother colonies in coral growout facilities

Technical Overview

FIRST, please read this entire page!  Boost pH is designed to be used as needed.  Although it can be dosed, there can be difficulties with dosing, if you don't understand the pitfalls  (see Pitfalls section below).  pH is a measurement of the acidity of a solution, such as aquarium water. The pH of natural seawater ranges from approximately 8.2 - 8.4, however maintaining pH in the range of 8.4 - 8.5 on a daily basis is thought to have a positive effect on captive marine organism growth rate, primarily in stony corals. Also may help prevent bleaching, boost immune response and assist in coloration. To maintain a stable pH within the desired range, the alkalinity must first be maintained within a range of 7.5 - 10.0 dKH (2.7 - 3.6 meq/L). Aquaria with low circulation at the water’s surface, or in which a CO2-injected calcium reactor is being employed, or which are placed in an enclosed room with human and animal inhabitants (giving off CO2 into the air), often have a depressed pH due to carbon dioxide build up. In an aquarium which has a proper alkalinity as stated above, Boost pH+, along with other measures, such as providing outside air to the skimmer intake and other CO2 control methods, can help to bring pH in the aquarium back into a higher desired range without raising alkalinity to an unacceptable level. Use as directed and do not exceed a pH value of 8.5, because pH at 8.6 or higher may be stressful and/or damaging to sensitive aquarium inhabitants. Additionally, changes to pH should be made very gradually, again to avoid stressing aquarium inhabitants. See suggestions for adjusting alkalinity below. It is not unusual for pH to fluctuate throughout the course of 24-hours between seemingly wide-ranging values (i.e. lower at night higher during the middle of the day); this is a natural occurrence that is caused by changes in the rates of photosynthesis between dark and light periods. If pH levels are seen to be constantly below the desired level and alkalinity is within the proper range, then the addition of Boost pH+, this product, may be very helpful if the hobbyist has already properly adjusted the alkalinity and it is within recommended ranges.  If comparing pH to determine how Boost pH+ is working, measure at the same time every day. 

Instructions & Guidelines

Can cause burns, First read warning and follow safety recommendations while using or storing this product! Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection during use. When used as directed, this product safely raises pH only and does not increase alkalinity or calcium level. You must use other products for those functions and those functions are absolutely required in every marine aquarium. Do not attempt to use Boost pH+ on systems with low alkalinity or to use it to raise alkalinity.  It is not designed for that.  First, determine the alkalinity in the aquarium using an accurate test kit (recommended) or recently-calibrated meter before using this product (see section below on pitfalls prior to use). If the alkalinity is below 7.6 dKH or 2.7 meq/L , adjust it first using Brightwell Aquatics’ pH+ or Alkalin8.3 or Alkalin8.3-P (powder) (all three of these products raise both the alkalinity and pH, unlike Boost pH+ which only raises the pH and not the alkalinity) and then ideally allow 24-hours to elapse before re-testing alkalinity and pH, then adjust pH upward, if needed, by adding Boost pH+ as directed below. The dosage required will vary significantly based on a number of factors, but as a general estimate, 2.0 ml of Boost pH+ will raise the pH of 10 US gallons by about .1 to .3 pH, depending on the amount of CO2 in the system and the alkalinity.

Directions

First adjust the alkalinity to a range of 7.5 - 10.0. dKH (2.7 - 3.6 meq/L) as described above using Brightwell Aquatics’ pH+ or Alkalin8.3 or Alkalin8.3-P (powder) as directed on their bottles.  To raise pH further without increasing alkalinity, add 2.0 ml of Boost pH+ (this product) per 10 US gallons in a high flow area such as a pump intake or a power head exhaust. pH will generally stabilize within 10 minutes following product use, Re-measure pH and dose again, if necessary. Do not add more than 10 ml per 10 gallons per day!  Livestock should not be subjected to a change in pH of more than 0.2 per 24-hour period, so do not overdose Boost pH+. Repeat as needed to attain desired pH value. It is recommended that pH be maintained within a range of +/-0.2 at all times.