L-183 starlight bristlenose pleco care?

Ok, took out one decoration last night and added some decaying plant matter to the ten. (I read that's what causes low Ph in their habitat, so I figured I'd give it a shot.) I also did a 50% water change on the ten. I got a reading of 6.8-7 this morning... I'm hesitant to put him/her in... Should I remove all the decor at once and see if that does it?
 
Ok, removed all decor. If I can't manage to get the Ph into the 6.5 ish range, would it be asking too much to just go ahead and put him/her in the ten? I really don't feel comfortable putting him/her in the main tank without getting the 2nd filter first... But I will if I have to. Mail comes around 3-4 so I really need an answer by then!
 
he'll probably be okay in the 10 imho (if he's juvie) but short-term
 
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