PH control

[daninct]

Thanks everyone for all the great posts. You have been so helpful and courteous to all the rookies such as me. Unfortunately I found this site a week too late and fell into some of the basic traps. Luckily I had time to make some corrections.
My question is what do you all use to control your PH level? Funny that for my family swimming pool I have no problems with dumping massive amounts of chems daily but when it comes to setting up and maintaining my fish tank I am very afraid of anything not natural harming a $5.99 damsel.
Also, what about sterilization of tools and supplies? Example being the liquid test tubes for the water test kit and even the net. Do you simply rinse with tap water or extra slat water or do you boil?
If I am being way to cautious feel free to let me know.
Tank is 55gal, 30 days old, only 25 lbs live rock (first mistake in small quantity), crushed coral substrate (second mistake no Live Sand).

 

[beth]

Most pH problems gets fixed with a simple water change using aged salt water. There is nothing wrong with a pH of 8.0.
It is a good idea to sterile instruments when you have fish disease concerns. And, any instrument should be thoroughly rinsed prior to use.

 

[daninct]

Thank you for the very quick reply. I will try and manage any potential problems through the water changes.