Basis Tanganyika African Cichlid Buffer is a high quality, multi-component blended true buffering system designed to raise the alkalinity buffering capacity of Tanganyika African Cichlid and other hardwater, high pH aquariums and automatically regulate the pH. It will hold pH stable over a wide range of conditions providing for safety of the entire system. Proper control of pH and alkalinity are among the most critical functions of maintaining any aquarium. Continuum recommends that you maintain an alkalinity level as specified in the directions. Proper pH for specific lake cichlids can also be maintained. These are: Mixed Cichlids 8.1 to 8.5, Malawi Cichlids 7.8 to 8.6, Tanganyika Cichlids 8.3 to 9.2, and Victoria Cichlids 8.0 to 9.0.