My 20g is almost cycled, so I'm researching fish. I've noticed that a lot of the standard beginner fish (various danios, rasboras, tetras, etc) have wide pH ranges they're comfortable in, but typically only up to 7.5 (with some only up to 7.0). I know that stability of pH tends to matter more than the pH itself, but I assume this is true within the fish's comfort zone.
My tank's pH has consistently measured in at about 7.6 (using Toronto tap water). If I want to get some pretty schooling beginner fish (i.e. kyathit danios, harlequin rasboras, etc), how important is it that the pH not go above their comfort range? I also notice that different sites report different pH limits, which could either be interpreted as the limit not mattering that much, or as anything near the limit being meh, regardless of the exact limit. Should I endeavor to lower my pH (maybe by adding an air pump?) if I want these fish, or will they be perfectly happy in 7.6 if I acclimate them slowly after bringing them home?
My tank's pH has consistently measured in at about 7.6 (using Toronto tap water). If I want to get some pretty schooling beginner fish (i.e. kyathit danios, harlequin rasboras, etc), how important is it that the pH not go above their comfort range? I also notice that different sites report different pH limits, which could either be interpreted as the limit not mattering that much, or as anything near the limit being meh, regardless of the exact limit. Should I endeavor to lower my pH (maybe by adding an air pump?) if I want these fish, or will they be perfectly happy in 7.6 if I acclimate them slowly after bringing them home?