Balancing ph for angels ? :confused:

[Good_Times]

I currently have 4 angels (1x gold 3x striped p.scalare) in my 42g planted. Bought them few months back when they were about an inch (2.5cm) since yhey have grown to about 3cm. The thing I want to know is, should i be worrying about stabelizing and maintaining a lower and pH ? I know in there native range the pH is lower than 7. My pH is in the 7.4 range and so far they've been hungry n happy fish. Ive heard alot about discuss being kept in higher pH, as long as it is stable. The tap water seems to remain at 7.4, and would it be possible for me to breed them at a higher pH ?
Any help appreciated.

Some pics of the little guys

 

[bbortko]

My ph is about the same as yours and they'll breed occasionally

 

[JC_P]

I think your pretty much on the mark. 7.4 isn't too bad as long as the ph is stable, as you said.

 

[jcardona1]

Trying to reach a certain PH is like chasing ghosts and not necessary. Even experienced discus keepers and breeders will tell you this. If you really want to create soft water conditions, then you need to look at GH and TDS, not PH.

 

[Good_Times]

Thanks for the help guys. I wondered if any of u know where I can download a colour chart for Bromothymol blue Ph test kit ? In hindsight I'm beginning to doubt the accuracy of my test kit as the colour on the chart is just a bunch varying levels of blue.

 

[lipadj46]

if your fish are happy and healthy it does not matter what your pH is. I test my pH a couple times a year.