Should i buffer top-up water

Sorry, Alk/ph buffer, I struggle to keep mine above 8, if I dont dose it drops.

 

I voted no. I always dose equal parts Ca and alk each day. The amount has slowly increased over time, but the ratio stays the same. Very simple.

 

I used 2 part dosing, so did not buffer for alk/ca/ph. Every few months I'd need to add Mg - I'd put enough to raise the tank ~150 points into the top off. Which takes about a week to empty into tank. It was more convenience than any other reason.

 

We add a small amount of Sea Chem Reef Buffer to each 5 gal carboy. Renee worked out the amount, but it's a small measuring spoon...one of those "dash/pinch" ones. The we aerate for 24 hrs and use it.

Fancy chemistry from the "experts" or no, we've always had better results by "pre-dosing" this way...lots of coralline growth, stable pH, etc.