thanks for the reply, i used phenol red to test the runoff from a pool test kit and i also used strips. the water going in is about 6.3.
i actually used organic applle cider vinegar to lower ph and it worked. i also transplanted to bigger pots to see if that helped.
overall they all look to small for their age and only one is really looking somewhat healthy.
but then again theyve been through shock so that could explain the slow growth.
will post pics soon