pH Question
Good morning Mr. W...
I don't worry about pH. Unless you have a city water problem, very unlikely, your tap water is fine for most tropical fish. They prefer alkaline water and aren't affected by the pH as long as it stays constant.
I wouldn't try to adust it, because you may cause the level to suddenly swing one way or the other.
If you want to make the water more alkaline naturally, then put some driftwood into the tank. But, don't use the stuff from the LFS, you don't really know what's in that wood.
I always get pieces from the local river bed areas. They're much nicer than anything you'll get in the store and the price is right. These natural pieces won't affect the water color. Use common sense when collecting and always obey the local laws!
B