Aquavitro Shrimp pHb™ — Alkaline pH Stabilizer (150 mL)
Aquavitro Shrimp pHb™ — Alkaline pH Stabilizer (150 mL)
Aquavitro shrimp pHb™ is a sodium-free alkaline pH buffer that raises and stabilizes water pH in the neutral-to-alkaline range. It is the base component of the two-part pHa + pHb buffering system, and the primary pH management tool for Neocaridina and Sulawesi shrimp that require stable, neutral-to-alkaline conditions.
How It Works
pHb uses a proprietary sodium-free buffer system to push pH upward and hold it stable against the natural acidification that occurs in biologically active and planted tanks. Unlike sodium bicarbonate additives, this formula avoids disrupting osmotic balance or introducing ions incompatible with shrimp physiology. It can be used alone to target a neutral-to-alkaline set point, or in combination with pHa to fine-tune pH when your remineralized RO source water needs precision adjustment.
Species Parameters — Full Reference
| Species Group | Target pH | GH (°dH) | KH (°dH) | TDS (ppm) | Temp (°F) | Primary Tool |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal / Taiwan Bee (Caridina) | 5.8–6.8 | 4–6 | 0–2 | 100–150 | 68–74 | pHa (acid buffer) |
| Tiger Shrimp (Caridina) | 6.5–7.5 | 4–8 | 1–4 | 100–200 | 68–77 | pHa or pHb depending on source water |
| Neocaridina (Cherry Shrimp, etc.) | 6.5–7.5 | 6–8 | 2–6 | 150–250 | 65–77 | pHb (alkaline buffer) |
| Sulawesi (Cardinal, White Glove, etc.) | 7.5–8.5 | 5–8 | 4–8 | 150–350 | 79–86 | pHb (alkaline buffer) |
When to Use pHb vs. pHa
- Use pHb alone when remineralized RO water is falling below target pH and needs to be raised and stabilized — this is the typical scenario for Neocaridina and Sulawesi tanks
- Use pHb + pHa together when fine-tuning pH in the middle range (Tiger Shrimp at 6.5–7.5) or when your source water has variable pH after remineralization and needs to be bracketed from both directions
- Use pHa alone for Crystal Red / Taiwan Bee tanks requiring sub-6.8 acidic pH — pHb is not needed at acidic set points
Dosing
- 2.5 mL (½ tsp) per 20 L (5 gal), added every 12 hours until target pH is reached
- Always add to new water before introducing to the tank; never dump directly onto shrimp
- Adjust incrementally — shrimp are sensitive to rapid pH swings; target no more than 0.2–0.3 pH units of change per dose cycle
- Retest pH after each dose before adding more
Size: 150 mL
Expert guidance
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Cameron draws on 25+ years in the hobby and a marine biology background to help you choose the right fit for your system.