Lowering PH & Softening water

[1boatnut]

My tap water PH is 7.4- 7.8 or so.My tank PH = 8.0
Although my present fish don't seem to be having any problems,I would love for my PH to be around 7.5,as it seems many species of fish I am interested in require lower PH and maybe even softer water. I would prefer not to resort to chemicals. I also realize that a steady PH can be better than a sudden drop to a specific # .I have been reading the use of PEAT can naturally lower PH.
I have an Emperor 400 filter. 55 gallon tank.
1 live plant
1 piece of medium driftwood
My current fish are:
5- Black Skirt Tetra's
2-Serpe's
2- Albino Cory Cats
1- Sunburst Wag

My question/s are as follows.
What effects does the use of peat have ? Like does it stain the water ?
Can peat also be used along with Carbon in the filter?
Anyone with any 1st hand information on this would be appreciated..
Any pros & cons would also be appreciated

 

[liv2padl]

I would love for my PH to be around 7.5

there's nothing magic about a pH of 7.5. your pH is just fine and my suggestion is to leave it alone. you'll open up a can or worms if you try to modify it using peat or other chemicals.

it seems many species of fish I am interested in require lower PH and maybe even softer water.

don't believe everything you see in books pertaining to the pH "required" by certain fish. most fish are quite adaptable and will acclimate to your pH.

 

[1boatnut]

there's nothing magic about a pH of 7.5. your pH is just fine and my suggestion is to leave it alone. you'll open up a can or worms if you try to modify it using peat or other chemicals.

don't believe everything you see in books pertaining to the pH "required" by certain fish. most fish are quite adaptable and will acclimate to your pH.

I am thinking about Discus in the future.
You think they would adapt to my current parameters?

Also the water I use is tap water with Prime added.
If using peat is not viable,what about just buying RO water

 

[liv2padl]

your current water chemistry is ok for tank raised discus and many other species of new world cichlids. African cichlids would love it. diluting your tap water with DI or RO water would lower your pH but isn't necessary in my opinion and can get expensive.

 

[webcricket]

Have you tested the tap pH after letting it sit overnight? You may find the tap naturally rises in pH by morning.

 

[cindi]

Ive been using peat for 3 weeks. It kinda counteracts the coquina in my tank which always raises the ph a point or two. I boiled the peat first and allowed to cool over night. Rinsed in distilled water and use a small amount in my 55. I dont use carbon unless I ahve meds, so I dont know about that. The water does have a slight tinge of yellow to it, but with bright lights its not to bad. My ph runs 6.8. Out of the tap it was 7.2 and always raised to 7.4 and occassionally 7.6. Now it stays 6.8. I always plan ahead for water changes and soak peat in the new water for a day ahead. ALso I do small water changes 2 times a week (5 to 7 gallons) to keep from any fluctuations in PH.

My neons and Rams are more active in the lower ph. When it has gone up, even slightly the Rams hide and the neons cower in the corner