you don't say what kind of pH tester you are using ... I say this, because the $15 'mechanical-type' testers are a joke (the ones hardware stores and nurseries sell, with the spike to stick in the ground and a cheesy-looking meter) ... I've bought 2-3 in the past, and they all test tapwater at 7.0 ... that would be OK, except they also test battery acid and chocolate milk at 7.0, also :wtf: (I know, I tested them,lol) ... best to use a liquid chemical tester, or as I do, litmus paper strips ... if you didn't spend a good bit of money on your tester, it probably sucks for accuracy ... :smokin: