I don't know if the Aqua Plus is supposed to affect the pH or not. All I know is the pH is over the limit of the high pH in the API test kit. My water report shows that they adjust the pH to 9.5, but it's odd that I never recall seeing it that high before. Maybe I never tested.
So, I was wondering why the pH was so different between the tap (>8.8) and my tanks (7.6), so I grabbed a clean cup that was sitting there and added tap water and splashed in some Aqua Plus. I measured the pH and ammonia - pH 7.6, ammonia 0. So then I figured the Aqua Plus must be adjusting the pH and removing the ammonia (which is really chloramine).
So then I put a couple gallons in my bucket, added a few mL of Aqua Plus (the recommended amount) and tested again - but now it measures the same as straight out of the tap - 1.0ppm ammonia, pH >8.8. So I figured I didn't add enough conditioner and added more, to no effect. Hence the confusion.
How are my tanks ending up at 7.6 when it comes out of my tap at >8.8? Why have I set up three tanks over the past year, ran them empty for 24 hours and then tested and got 0 ammonia and 7.6 pH, and now suddenly I am getting >8.8 pH after setting up a new tank and running it for 24 hours? Incidentally, this is the SAME tank that I set up 2 months ago, ran for 24 hours, and got the usual 0 ammonia, pH 7.6. I just tore it down and refilled it and got these new results.
I have never used anything to adjust pH. It has always naturally been 7.6 in my tanks.
