Setting up freshwater aquarium

Question
Hello Chris,
I am setting up a 20 gal freshwater aquarium.  There are no fish involved yet because I can't seem to get a neutral pH reading.  I am using Jungle brand quick-dip test strips ( hold the strip in water for 1 second, after 15 seconds compare color to color chart).  My initial readings were highly alkaline (8.4 or so).  I tested the water out of the tap and that was reading the same.  So the alkilinity is not coming from anything in the tank (it's all store bought aquarium gravel and equipment).  After adding the millionth pH lowering treatment to the tank, and having no little to no effect on the test strip results, I am wondering what the problem is?  I am pretty gosh-darn sure I am using the strips right.  So are the test strips no good?

Help, I can't even add my starter fish without being afraid of putting him in an alkaline or acid bath. Help, Help, Help

Thanks,
Brian

Answer
Hi Brian;

I apologize for not responding sooner. I attempted several times yesterday and the AllExperts system wouldn't let me send my response. Hopefully this one gets to you today.....

The test strips are kinda lousy actually. They are too easily influenced by environment before you ever even use one. The liquid drops kits are better and the ones that use tablets are even better than the liquids. You might try one of those and see how it looks.

Followups welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins

Come on over and join us on the freshwater fish forum at About.com to get even more information too;
http://freshaquarium.about.com/od/questionsanswers/a/naavigateforum.htm

My member name is ChrisR62. See You There!