[scottiedogluvr]

I have a small 5 gallon tank that I'm trying to cycle right now. I've had it set up for about a month now. The pH in my tank is 8.2, but the pH of my tap water is 7.4. Why the huge difference. How do I lower it? I realize I'm limited on what type of fish I can have in a small tank. I guess I'm even more limited with the pH.

 

[crzy2u]

I have a small 5 gallon tank that I'm trying to cycle right now. I've had it set up for about a month now. The pH in my tank is 8.2, but the pH of my tap water is 7.4. Why the huge difference. How do I lower it? I realize I'm limited on what type of fish I can have in a small tank. I guess I'm even more limited with the pH.

pH can be hard to lower but many fish prefer high pH. I would research what each type of fish you would like to get prefers in their water.
As for why you might have high pH, it might be in the decorations in your tank. substrate such as crushed coral raises pH as well as rocks, or shells or anything not specifically meant for aquariums can leach out chemicals.
To lower pH, I wouldn't use chemicals, as most of the time they are only temporary.
Things such as driftwood, & Almond leaves do this naturally. I would also research peat moss.

 

[rsskylight04]

My ph is 8.2 and my fish and plants are fine. Stable ph is much better than trying to make it perfect.
Hard water with high ph is more stable than lower ph.
Test results of tapwater will often be different if you test immediatly after drawing the water than if you let the water sit for a few hours.
Don't let ph of 8+ restrict your choices unless you want to keep very sensetive and particular fish. I have south american cichlids, loaches, gouramis,and catfish; and I've kept live bearers, freshwater sharks and others. I do nothing to alter my ph, and my systems are very stable and healthy.

 

[SeaHorse]

I do nothing to alter mine too... mine is 8.2. That is great for live bearers like Platies, Mollies, Swordtails. Check to see what the PH is at your LFS where you buy your fish. Maybe their's is high too. If not... make sure you acclimate them slowly to your new tank.