Marine Buffer® will safely raise marine pH to 8.3. It will not raise pH above 8.3 even if inadvertently overdosed. Marine Buffer® is a blended product and is not just sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate, commonly sold as a substitute. Such products can raise pH to dangerous levels if not used properly. Marine Buffer® contains sodium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, and potassium salts of carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride, sulfate, and borate. Use Seachem's MultiTest Marine pH & Alkalinity to check pH and total alkalinity. Use Marine Trace to restore the proper level of trace and feed NutriDiet® Marine Flakes for thriving, healthy saltwater fish.