high pH, high GH & KH

Question
Hello!  

I have a 30 gallon freshwater aquarium, and just recently, I had all of my fish die in a 24 hour period.  Over the summer I added angels (my favorite type of fish) to the tank from a local breeder and they did just fine for several months.  After recently losing one of them (for no apparent reason), I purchased another (which died after a week-ish). I returned the fish (an angel) and by the next day I lost everything in the tank.  I had angels, black neon tetras and a few platys.  I also have pool filter sand in my tank (not crushed coral) which I researched thoroughly.  

I found that my ammonia was high (but not a ridiculous amt) and that of course, my pH is high.  Ever since I moved to this new location, I have had pH above 8.0.  I've recently begun to look into the GH & KH, and although I'd rather not play with my water chemistry, I need to do something.  My water levels are not really suitable for fish, and I have been unable to keep a fish for more than a few months over several years of keeping fish.  In fact I just just checked my KH and I added 14 drops to the tube, more than 214 ppm.

I have purchased Acid Buffer and Neutral Regulator, but I want to make sure that I am doing things right.  I have tried to add driftwood to lower pH, I've done repeated water changes, nothing seems to help.  My water here is just ridiculous.

Do you think you could please advise me what to do in this situation, and how to use the chemicals?  I don't have the space or money for a CO2 injection system, but i've reached rock bottom.  I love fish and I want to be able to keep them!  Please help!  

Thank you!

Shane

Answer
Hi Shane:  I receive questions like this a lot... The best answer is very simple and cost effective...Basically you need to find another water source.  The best source would be to use RO or DI water for your water changes and over the period of a month your tank water will become perfect.  You do not need to add chemicals at all.  RO and DI water should be available at your local fish store and is pretty cheap.  All you need is two five gallon water bottles.  At first I would add just one and let the water chemistry adjust as slowly as possible so as to not shock the fish.  Then I would add two at the next water change.  ETC.   I hope this helps... dave