ph balance

Question
I have had my tank set up for over a year, but my ph level is still waaay too
high.  I had to move my 55, but need to get my fish back out of the smaller
30.  They really don't look too happy and it's cramped for all of them.  I'd
really like to get my ph level under control first.  I removed everything except
the gravel.  I've got a filter without filtration now.  Had it in before.  I used a
ph balancer and the stuff is good for a day.  By the second day it's started
creeping up.  My fish do ok in higher ph, but it still is a little too high for
them and I believe they'd be a lot better off if I can get it down.  What is
going on with my tank.  My water is softened and filtered.  The ph is right at
7.0 from the tap.  Now it's like 8.?

Thanks,

Mike

Answer
This is a very big mistake of beginners-

Do NOT attempt adjust your pH under any circumstances.

Those pH buffers were meant for saltwater tanks. But then people started buying them for freshwater and now the companies are starting to label them for freshwater.

Freshwater fish do not care about the actual number of the pH. What matters is stability. Fish would much rather have a pH of 8.0 than a pH that kept going between 6.8 and 7.2 for example.

Do not mess around with your pH, unless you are keeping discus or other very sensitive fish.

You can however, if you want put some mopani driftwood in the tank, it should bring your pH a little down very slowly and still maintain stability.

-Nick