{"product_id":"fritz-rift-lake-cichlid-buffer-african-cichlid-ph-kh","title":"Fritz Rift Lake Cichlid Buffer | Raises pH \u0026 KH for African Cichlid Aquariums","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFritz Rift Lake Cichlid Buffer\u003c\/strong\u003e is a precisely formulated blend of carbonate salts that recreates the high-pH, high-alkalinity water chemistry of Africa's Rift Lakes — Tanganyika, Malawi, and Victoria. Dose it with every water change to lock in the buffer capacity and elevated pH that mbuna, peacocks, haps, frontosa, shellies, and other African cichlids need to thrive and show their best color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eStock up on tools for your African cichlid setup at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fritz\"\u003eFritz Aquatics\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/additives-supplements\"\u003eAdditives \u0026amp; Supplements\u003c\/a\u003e, or browse our complete \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fresh-water\"\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/a\u003e selection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;\"\u003eWhy Choose Fritz Rift Lake Cichlid Buffer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulti-lake formula\u003c\/strong\u003e — single product handles Tanganyika, Malawi, and Victoria with different dose rates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRaises and holds pH\u003c\/strong\u003e at the higher levels Rift Lake cichlids evolved in (7.8–8.4 or 9.0–9.4 depending on lake).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBoosts KH \/ buffering\u003c\/strong\u003e so pH stays stable between water changes — no swings, no stress.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhosphate-free\u003c\/strong\u003e blend of carbonate salts; will not cloud water when dosed correctly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairs with \u003cstrong\u003eFritz Rift Lake Cichlid Salt\u003c\/strong\u003e for full Rift Lake water chemistry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;\"\u003eDosing — per 10 US gallons (37.85 L)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLake Tanganyika\u003c\/strong\u003e — 5 g (1 tsp) per 10 gallons → target pH 9.0–9.4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLake Malawi\u003c\/strong\u003e — 2.5 g (½ tsp) per 10 gallons → target pH 7.8–8.4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLake Victoria\u003c\/strong\u003e — 2.5 g (½ tsp) per 10 gallons → target pH 7.8–8.4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd with every water change. \u003cstrong\u003eDo not change pH by more than 0.2 units per 24 hours\u003c\/strong\u003e — raise levels gradually to avoid shocking fish. If you are using dechlorinated tap water, test KH first and adjust your dose to account for existing alkalinity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:6px 10px;background:#f7f7f7;width:40%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrand\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eFritz Aquatics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:6px 10px;background:#f7f7f7;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eRift Lake Cichlid Buffer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:6px 10px;background:#f7f7f7;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003epH \u0026amp; KH buffer (dry powder)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:6px 10px;background:#f7f7f7;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActive\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eCarbonate salts blend\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:6px 10px;background:#f7f7f7;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTarget pH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e7.8–8.4 (Malawi\/Victoria) · 9.0–9.4 (Tanganyika)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:6px 10px;background:#f7f7f7;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUse With\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eFreshwater African Rift Lake cichlid tanks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:6px 10px;background:#f7f7f7;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUPC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e080531849132\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;\"\u003eRecommended Pairings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fritz-general-hardness-gh-test-kit-freshwater\"\u003eFritz GH Test Kit\u003c\/a\u003e — verify general hardness alongside KH.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/water-testing\"\u003eKH \/ pH test kits\u003c\/a\u003e — essential when buffering hard-water systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-cichlid-gold-pellet\"\u003eHikari Cichlid Gold\u003c\/a\u003e — color-enhancing pellet for African cichlids.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-texas-holey-rock-resin-cichlid-cave\"\u003eHikari Texas Holey Rock\u003c\/a\u003e — natural-look caves \u0026amp; territories.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/peacock-fancy-african-cichlid\"\u003eFancy Peacock African Cichlid\u003c\/a\u003e — see our in-stock African cichlid livestock.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this work for South or Central American cichlids?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo — those species prefer softer, more neutral water. This buffer is formulated for African Rift Lake species only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow often should I dose?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUse it with every water change. The carbonate salts are consumed over time as the buffer holds pH steady.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use this with crushed coral or aragonite substrate?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes — they work together. Reduce your buffer dose if KH already tests high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it cloud my water?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDissolve it in a cup of tank water before adding to avoid temporary cloudiness; it will not cause persistent haze when dosed correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fritz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48354309210331,"sku":"84913","price":12.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/image_0a064dfa-fdac-483f-b8d2-3f51de7bc5fa.png?v=1773320315","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fritz-rift-lake-cichlid-buffer-african-cichlid-ph-kh","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}