Too low of a pH and water is hard

[Wilochka]

Here are my current aquarium readings from test strips

Hardness: 1000 ppm
Alkalinity: 0 ppm
pH: 5.5

I'm not sure what hardness and alkalinity are... but they don't seem good at the levels they are at.

I know my pH is very very low, but I don't know what to do since I have crushed coral as my gravel. I would prefer not to put any chemicals into my aquarium, but i will if i have to.

 

[MadManMac]

First advice, get a better test kit. Test strips are rarely any good especially with the accuracy you need for this hobby. If you are going to spend good money on livestock, spend good money on the things that help you keep it alive. In the long run it is really much cheaper to do it right than it is to skimp and repurchase many times.

 

[Wilochka]

what do you suggest i use instead?

 

[Brenden]

A seachem multi-test is a good place to start. The results you posted can not be correct.