pH too high

[skiitswitch]

alright, I did a search and I could find was stuff about adding peat and driftwood to the tank to lower pH. I have tons of driftwood and peat in both of my canister filters, and there was only a slight decrease in pH.... My tap water is too stable for Africans...
So I was wondering if anyone knew of something I could use to lower my pH from 8 to around 7 other than pH down, something from Al's of something that I could use for awhile and it wouldn't totally break the bank. Thanks for any help ahead of time.

[jennigypsy]

what test kit are you using? ...are you sure it is working properly?...
what sort of rocks are in the tank?

[cichgirl]

In my opinion, and I speak for no other members, it is much more important to keep the ph stable than it is to try to raise or lower it to keep it at an ideal for a species. Raising and lowering ph all the time will stress and weaken the fish. Beyond peat and driftwood and elimination of any rocks that may be raising the ph I don't like to mess with it unless I have no choice. It is much easier to get a fish suited for your water than it is to match your water to a fish.

Most Americans that I have kept will adjust to higher or lower ph levels than their "ideal" and thrive as long as the water quality is clean and stable.

[jennigypsy]

great point cichgirl :)...stability is way more important...