Replenish
Seachem Replenish is a liquid GH booster widely available at pet stores. While convenient, its chloride-based formula and lower efficiency make it less suitable for regular shrimp remineralization tha
Product Overview
Seachem Replenish is a liquid GH booster widely available at pet stores. While convenient, its chloride-based formula and lower efficiency make it less suitable for regular shrimp remineralization than powder alternatives. It's best reserved for occasional GH adjustment rather than routine water preparation.
Detailed Review
Seachem Replenish is one of those products that's everywhere but isn't the best choice for dedicated shrimp keeping. It uses chloride-based minerals (calcium chloride, magnesium chloride) which are less ideal than sulfate-based options for aquarium use. The convenience of liquid dosing is offset by lower efficiency - you'll use more product per GH point compared to powder remineralizers. This makes it more expensive in the long run despite the lower bottle price. The chloride content can also be a concern. While not immediately harmful, some keepers prefer to minimize chloride addition to their tanks. Sulfate-based products like Seachem Equilibrium or shrimp-specific powders are generally preferred. Replenish has its place for emergency GH adjustment when you need something quickly and powders aren't available. But for routine remineralization, dedicated shrimp products or even Seachem's own Equilibrium are better choices.
Dosing Guide
Manufacturer Recommendation
Add 5ml per 10 gallons to increase GH by 1 dGH. For freshwater use.
Community Consensus
Convenient liquid format but less efficient than powders. Works in a pinch but not ideal for routine remineralization. The chloride-based formula may not suit all setups. Better used for occasional GH adjustment than primary remineralization.
Quick Dosing Reference
Approximate amounts for Replenish starting from 0 TDS RO water
| Target GH | Grams per Gallon | Grams per Liter |
|---|---|---|
| 4 dGH | 3.00g | 0.80g |
| 5 dGH | 3.75g | 1.00g |
| 6 dGH | 4.50g | 1.20g |
| 7 dGH | 5.25g | 1.40g |
Important Notes
- Always test your water after mixing and before adding to your tank
- TDS readings can vary based on your TDS meter calibration
- Dose to your target GH, not TDS, for best results
- Let water sit 10-15 minutes after mixing for accurate readings
Community Feedback
Community Consensus
A convenient liquid option that's widely available but not ideal for routine shrimp keeping. The chloride-based formula and lower efficiency make powder products preferable for regular use. Better for emergency GH adjustment than primary remineralization.
What Users Love
- Widely available at pet stores
- Convenient liquid format
- Easy to dose
- From trusted Seachem
Common Concerns
- Chloride-based formula not ideal for shrimp
- Less efficient than powders
- Expensive per GH point raised
- Not shrimp-optimized
Notable Discussions
- Liquid vs powder remineralizer debates
- Emergency GH adjustment options
- Seachem products for shrimp
Feedback aggregated from Reddit (r/shrimptank, r/Aquariums), The Planted Tank Forum, and other aquarium communities. Individual experiences may vary.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Widely available at pet stores
- Convenient liquid format
- Easy to measure and dose
- Trusted Seachem brand
Cons
- Chloride-based formula not optimal
- Less efficient than powder options
- More expensive per GH increase
- Not designed for shrimp
Frequently Asked Questions
The chloride-based formula is less optimal than sulfate-based products. Powder remineralizers designed for shrimp provide better mineral profiles at better value.
Yes, it will raise GH safely. It's just not the best choice for routine use compared to shrimp-specific products.
Per bottle yes, but per GH point raised it's actually more expensive due to lower efficiency.
No, Replenish only affects GH. Use Seachem Alkaline Buffer for KH if needed.
Convenience and availability. It's at every pet store and the liquid format is easy to dose. For casual hobbyists, these factors may outweigh the drawbacks.
Alternative Products
Equilibrium
Keepers of planted shrimp tanks who want a single product that benefits both plants and shrimp, and value local availability over shrimp-specific optimization.
GH Booster
Budget-conscious Neocaridina keepers and planted tank enthusiasts who want reliable results without premium pricing.
Shrimp Mineral GH/KH+
All Neocaridina keepers who want the most reliable, well-documented remineralizer for Cherry Shrimp, Blue Dream, Yellow, and all other Neocaridina varieties.
Track Your Remineralization with ShrimpKeeper
Use our built-in calculator to dose Replenish perfectly every time. Track your parameters and see trends over time.
Quick Specs
Yields per Gram
Target Ranges
Available Sizes
Best For
Emergency GH adjustment or hobbyists who strongly prefer liquid products despite the drawbacks.