We have 3 freshwater tanks, one 33 gallon, one 20 gallon, and the other ten 
gallon.  The two larger ones are relatively newly established, being in 
operation for about 5 or 6 weeks.  The other (10 gallon) has been running for 
years.  The filters are a fluval 3 filter in the 33 gallon, and an evenflow 
in each of the others.  Each tank has an air curtain.  The fish are nothing 
really exotic, being comets, black mollies and that sort of thing.
 
Problem: The water in our area, for some reason, seems to have a VERY high ph 
value.  Using the wardley senior deluxe ph test kit for freshwater, the 
values are so far above a 7.4 ph that we have to add up to 10 or twelve 
treatments just to get it down to 7.4 (following instructions as specified by 
the manufacturer).  I did take the water to the fish store, and they advised 
that all seemed well, except for the PH value, which on their testing was 
found to be very very high as well.
Help wanted: I am hesitant to keep dumping in chemicals after every water 
change.  It just seems like a bad idea.  What other ways are there, if any, 
to lower ph, and keep it low?  We refer to these fish as our children, and 
would like them to be healthy and happy.
Any help would be appreciated.
William
--- Maximus/2 3.01
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