Agreed.sandtiger;2702169; said:Jim is right, it is always best to leave the pH as is unless you're using a natural buffer. Driftwood for example can lower pH, crushed coral can raise it. Bluegill and longears should both be fine at 8, they're both wide spread, hardy and adaptable fish.
Drift wood would lower the ph, and crushed coral will raise the ph. Try and mimic the enviorment of the fish in question.