pH low

[no_wedge]

I currently have a newly cycled 24g AP, all the tests show good, and the Alkalinity is 300or more, but my pH seems low at around 7.8 and I want it around 8.2 Is there a way i can safely raise this?
I am using RO/DI water.

 

[gmann1139]

Hi, Welcome to the boards.
What test kit are you using, and are the lights on or off when you test?

 

[no_wedge]

hello, I am using Mardel 5in1 test strip, and the lights are on.

 

[gmann1139]

Test strips are notoriously inaccurate.
You'll want to buy a liquid test kit set, to achieve the level of precision you'll need.
I personally recommend Salifert's pH test kit. The only hangup is that you need daylight or a full-spectrum CF (compact fluorescent) bulb to read it, the colors aren't accurate under a standard incandescent.

 

[no_wedge]

what about the API test kits which use liquid? my LFS has a pH one for $6

 

[gmann1139]

They're adequate, especially if you're running a FO (Fish Only) tank.
I haven't used API's kits myself, but I know others on here do.