howto lower pH?

[fish_gal77]

I have always measured hardness and pH separately.

The water in my small (work) aquarium reads:

pH 7.8
KH 80ppm
GH 300ppm (I know you don't need to measure both...)

These numbers never vary. I guess this is better than having pH swings, I just worry (maybe a little too much) that this may be over doing it with my Rams...

I would like to keep similar fish in my new tank and am just trying to think ahead so that I can start off on the right foot.

 

[secretmuscles]

as said before most fish are very adaptable to their water qualities. Though you may have a high PH, doesnt mean you cant keep certain fish. I have seen discus fish (notoriously known for needing soft acidic water) kept in water as hard as 300ppm and a PH of 7.8. The discus had been adapted with gradual addings of the city's tap water to RO water. Eventually they adapted and were living a happy life. You might hear that some fish won't live the proper life span or grow to proper size if kept in these kind of conditions, wich may be true, but from my expierence these discus were 5 years old and fully grown. Alot of times this adaptaition will result in the fish not being able to breed. I have kept many diffrent species of fish (including 25+ diffrent species of tetra) in water with hardness at levels of 300ppm and 7.8 ph. You might also want to ask your local LFS what their water tests out at. Alot of times your LFS will take the work out of it for you and have allready adapted the fish to such conditions. Logically, not every person who enters a fish store knows how to condition water to meet specific fish's needs, though many customers leave with fish (such as tetra) and drop them in their tap water at home. I would do a little asking around with aquarists that deal with your water conditions in your area. Hope this is helpful!