Opinion on test results?

Trites, Trates, and Ammo look good.

As for adding pH Down, did you just put in one dose or two? I heard that it only drops the pH 0.1-0.2. I guess 0.3 isn't too bad. There is no need to add chemicals though, the fish should be okay. If you want to stabilize the pH and want to use chemicals, Seachem makes something called Neutral Regulator and it helps to keep the pH at the level you want it. It claims to try to get the pH to 7.0 but I would rather use pH Down to get it down that low first, then use the regulator to keep it there. I would rather not use chemicals though.

O2 Level looks good. 2 mg/L is required, 5 mg/L is better. Looks like all is good in the tank.

just be very careful about adding pH down to your aquarium. a long time ago I used that practice... trying to lower my pH. In not so long a time, I had a horrendous pH crash and killed some of my fish.

Be careful and research other ways to lower your pH. I think peat works, but I've never used it myself.

by the way, your 8.5pH is higher then marine tanks. crazy!

since your pH was 8.5 already, chnces are it has plenty of buffers, so expect it to shoot right back up from 8.2. your pH is PERFECT for african cichlids.
if you are worried about the PH in the 75 gallon, just add a big piece of driftwood to help lower the pH naturally.

What are you feeding the Bala.Needs more than just flakes.