freshwater ph

Question
I have a 50 gallon freshwater tank with 2 blue paradise, 2 dwarf gouramis, 1 tinfoil barb and 1 red finned shark. I cannot get my ph any lower than about 8.2. I have tried store bought chemicals and doing water changes with bottled water. Any advice will be helpful. thank you

Answer
It is more important to keep the PH stable then it is to lower it.  If you fish are showing no signs of illness or stress, I would leave it.  Adding chemicals or changing that water too often can cause it's own set of problems.
 IF you need to lower it try the following things
 Check your tank for things that could be raising your PH such as limestone, seashells or crushed coral in your tank or filter.
 If you tap water is the cause, then you can try adding peat to your filter (this will cause a tea colour to develop in your water, which is harmless) or you can phosphate to your tank or filter.

I live in an area with a lower PH and have had problems with sensitive fish.  After fighting with the tank for years, I have just made a list of species that I cannot keep with my water conditions.  I may not be able to keep neon tetras, but there are lots of other fish that thrive in my tanks.