Features Adjusts pH to 7.2—8.5 Designed for use in planted aquariums Increases alkalinity Contains no phosphate Overview Alkaline Buffer™ is a non–phosphate buffer to raise pH and alkalinity (KH) and buffer with Acid Buffer™. These buffers are designed for the planted aquarium or for very hard water where phosphate buffers may pose an algae or cloudiness problem. Alkaline Buffer™ raises pH and buffers between 7.2 and 8.5. It is gentle, safe, and enhances the freshwater environment. What is the difference between Alkaline Regulator™ and Alkaline Buffer™? A: The difference is that Alkaline Buffer™ is a carbonate/bicarbonate based buffer and Alkaline Regulator™ is a phosphate based buffer. High phosphate levels can promote algae growth so it is often a better choice to use a phosphate free buffer like Alkaline Buffer™. The only drawback to a non-phosphate buffer is that there tends to be more pH fluctuation owing to CO2 equilibrium. Phosphate buffers lock the pH in quite well and hold it there.