PH buffers and live plants

[jayhawks12279]

I use a PH buffer for my freshwater tank to keep the PH at 7.0. On the label it says do not use with live plants. I currently only have artificial plants in the tank. I would however like to put some floating plants in my aquarium sometime. Is there anyway around using a buffer to keep your PH neutral? My tap water has a PH of 8.8 if I don't treat it.

 

[aqua_chem]

You pH will probably drop noticeably if allowed to age in tank for 24 hours. As a rule of thumb, I advice people to stay clear of pH altering chemicals altogether.

 

[jayhawks12279]

Right now I'm doing daily 50% water changes to help with the cycling process. If I stop using the buffer, it shouldn't affect my fish?