Hi,

My tap water is 7.8 - 8.0 here in S. FL and I have a planted tank.

I do use auto c02 to reduce ph to 6.7, but have another tank with NO c02 and the plants/fish do fine with it.

Growth is just not as lush as with fertiilization......

I also try and use fish/plants that match my water, rahter than try and keep softwater/low ph fish and plants....

Peat moss is also an option to lower ph and hardness, but will discolor the water with released tannins......

Hope this helps.