speed
If you look at my reply I indicated that it should not affect PH in any significant way.
It most certainly can affect the pH in a significant way. I thought I stated that but did not. But I did say this
"Any buffer will raise the pH some and some more than others."..which means some have an affect on pH and it is more than significant. If you add a buffer and it raise your pH 0.2 pH units that is very significant.
It depends on the buffer being added. Molar value wise, Baked baking Soda/Soda Ash has twice the Alk as Baking Soda and a higher pH. The pH of BS as I said is 8.3 and is like 11.5 for SA. Any buffer sup's we use will raise the pH. Some less just like some raise the Alk more and others less. There are also buffer sup's that lower the pH, such as Sodium Biphosphate. However, if one knows and understands what they are adding then using less or more can cause less of an issue with pH or Alk produced from that buffer.
It can effect other parameters but only within the range it was designed and may not have a permanent effect.
I do not know what you mean by that, give me an example.
I thought he was indicated that I was claiming it has a lasting effect. My experience with buffers is exactly that
It *may have a lasting effect, it depends on the tank. Case in point, which I'm sure you are aware of. In a SPS tank the buffer/Alk will drop like a rock if it is not sup'd. That is not a "lasting effect". You take a FOT with just a couple of fish and feed it correctly the Alk can last a long time, same for pH. You overstock that tank with fish or fish and food that buffer/Alk and pH will drop like a rock, also not a lasting effect. This why we tell people if your pH is OK use BS for Alk, as it has the least impact on pH. If the pH is not quite right and the Alk is not quite right use a mix of BS and BBS/SA. If it is an issue of both low pH and Alk then just BBS/SA. Most buffers sold in this hobby are ~ 6-1 BS to BBS/SA.
Tyler
What would you recommend my first plan of action would be? Mg testing... And if it is low, Mg supplementation? Or something else?
You first need to measure it to see where you are at. For beginners just Kent Marine Tech M. Try to keep the Magnesium ~ 1300 ppm. If it is lower than that it can be safely raised 100 ppm / day.
This works out very nice for most
Reef Chemistry Calculator
I'm very wary (scared and ignorant) of jumping into the realm of additives, but understand it's a necessary evil that must be conquered eventually - I just want to do it the right way the first time, and before the problem gets way out of hand!
There are 8 things that always need to be tested for in basic reef chemistry.
Ca++, Mg++ , Alk, pH, PO4, NO3- , Temp and Salinity
A good list of what.
Reef Aquarium Water Parameters by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com