Adjusting pH in a tropical fish tank

[JodyTheKiwi]

Hello,
I have acquired a tropical aquarium and 4 fish. I have set it up with some fresh plants and tested the pH of the water and found it to be too akaline (about pH 9). The pet store sold me Proper pH7 buffer but it says not to use it with real plants. Why is this?
Are there any safe ways I can adjust the pH that won't be harmful to the fish or the plants? I have already had one fish death.
Is changing the water neccessary? It's only been in the tank a few days.
Many thanks for your help.

[sn�gs]

You need to get on a tropical fish forum and do a bit of reading up/ask questions... this is a good one:

http://www.fishforums.net/index.php?s=7d9ff542 0c71c9242ea8b55b8336333c&showforum=26

[JodyTheKiwi]

Thank you for your interest.
I am using dip-sticks to test the pH (dip in water, match to the colour to get the result).
I was sold a product called Proper pH 7.0 which is a buffer/water conditioner but it says it should not be used with live plants. I'm wondering if I'm going to be creating more problems by using it, although the store sold me the plants and the conditioner at the same time.
I will check out the forums, maybe they will be of assistance as well as you helpful answerbankers.
Cheers,
JodyTheKiwi

[hammerman]

Throw your test kit away and either get it tested electronically by a shop or buy a new one.....test kits only have a short shelf life.

A pH of 9 IS excessivly high for most tropical fish. I used to run my reef aquarium between 8.1 and 8.3 and remember that the pH scale is logerithmic so each point it goes up, it goes up 10 times.

You can use rainwater or RO (reverse osmosis) water to dilute the pH and bring it down a bit but you really ought to find the cause of the problem first. Check your tapwater and also what decor are you using....are your r4ocks limestone, tufa, ocean rock or anything that fizzes when you pour vinegar on them.

Good luck

[sn�gs]

Placing some Bogwood pieces in your tank will lower the PH... it may stain the water slightly with tannin though if you don't rinse it thoroughly before...