The Ph level in my aquarium has been consistently 8.2. All other water parameters are great. I tested the water straight out of the sink and it reads the same. You think this is too high? I rather not alter the water chemistry, I believe this can be more of a burden and I believe domesticated fish can adapt. Any thoughts or recommendations?

A constant PH of 8.2 is by far better than a fluctuating one... As long as your fish is eating and acting normally then they are fine.

yes an 8.2 PH is rare rather awesomeeee ... how did u achieve this...

8.2 is how the water comes from the water company.

ohh... thats nice.. here my local tap water is about 7.8 PH.. thats the best naturally and if i buy fish tank water.. from companies that will give me upto 8.5 PH.. again.. i think its not required for my Os.. rather in the fresh tank you dont have so many elements that need a highvery high PH like marine..

Thanks for the replys, it's nice to know where it stands in the communal arena

never a problem.. this community is too friendly to not reply .. what say nickiee

LOL, hi Warlock... I have missed you! and for the record my tap and tank PH is 7.6.

The only problem with having a very high pH is if you do ever have a problem with ammonia it will actually be a more toxic form than if your pH was less than 7.0.

I would actually be inclined to use a buffer such as a large piece of driftwood, this will help bring your pH down without running the risk of making your tank unstable.Obviously your pH will change every time you do a water change. I think it something worth thinking about

I was just having this conversation yesterday and got some good advice. My tap p.h is about 8 to 8.5 but i like to keep it neutral or just under but constantly fluctuating as you say is not good at all i've been using p.h down to remedy the tank p.h but dont want to keep using chemicals so have just purchased some nice wood not sure what kind but it came from aquarium shop and is soaking at the moment getting ready to go in and imo this would be by far the best way to keep p.h good for oscars as it very slowly acidifies the water rather than chemicaly changing all the time.

I personally wouldn't worry to much. make sure you don't balls up your filters so not to get a ammonia spike. keep some prime handy just in case. I like bog wood so adding it wouldn't hurt, I use a large bit in my tank just to look good not to lower PH. I can't see it doing much in any case cos by the time it starts to lower the PH you will change more water rising the PH again back to where it was. you will need a fair bit of wood and this will displace a lot of water. I wonder if it will work in smaller bits? give it a try and let use know.) if fact I will test my tap PH. my tank is 7, and weigh my wood to let you know. )

I have around 10kg of bog wood. tap PH is 7.2 and tank PH is 7. i do 1 or sometimes 2 water changes a wk around 30-50% a wk. i don't think wood has much of an impact on PH due to water changes being to often. i don't have plants and my tank is fairly heavly stocked. i do the 1-2 changes to keep nitrates below 20-30pph.