5.5 would scare me too!

a steady ph is key with Africans, so if your solid at 8.0 I wouldn't worry too much about getting it up that extra bit. But, if you want it perfect, using natural buffers is defiantly the way to go IMHO. I just don't know the formula thou. let us know how much you end up using... good luck.

as far as the other post, don't worry, every forum has it's own vibe and it's the moderators job to encourage communication and good will... so no harm done

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Gold Coast Aquarium Society South Florida