high ph in tank

[stargazer]

hi I might have a problem with my ph in my tank it reads 8.4 to 8.8 comming out of tap is 7.5. I am using store bought gravel, with some plants 3 @ this time had more but they gradually died off, and waiting for payday to pick up some more. I saw ph kits to maintain your levea but heard that can cause trouble. Is there a better way? thanks much also thanks for the info on changing water.

[jim r]

If your tap water is 7.5 regular water changes should keep it fairly close to that, the high ph is probably killing your plants. Sewage and agricultural run-off would cause ph to rise,how does your water get to the tap? Or maybe something in the tank forcing the ph up, e.g. decorations? Also what fish are you keeping in this tank?

[stargazer]

the water is from a well, shallow point which means it's abt 5 to 7 meters deep at best. as for sewage you could be right I do have a septic tank out here. the only decorations I have is a couple ceramic? hollow logs I bought at the fish store. the fish are 2 angels, 2 cory cats, 2 clown loaches, 4 platys, 6 harlequen rasboras . The angles are the oldest apx 6 months

[jim r]

I suggest you keep doing water changes and also take some water from the well keep it seperate check ph and then let it stand a week then do another ph test if only for elimination purposes. All your fish with the exception of the harlequins (6.5) come from ph7 and above.