How do I make Water Softer? and Drop PH?

[nkelmquist]

I have been fighting the same battle. My tap water ph is 8.2, through distilled water changes and filtering the water through peat the ph in my tank is now 6.8. However, the down side of peat is the brownish tinge to the water, I kind of like it myself it makes the water look like a fish's natural habitat.

 

[Tim Bo]

I have been fighting the same battle. My tap water ph is 8.2, through distilled water changes and filtering the water through peat the ph in my tank is now 6.8. However, the down side of peat is the brownish tinge to the water, I kind of like it myself it makes the water look like a fish's natural habitat.

Ditto. Love the tinge that comes from it. As strange as it sounds, I find it brings out the color of i.e Rams even better.