Betta tank pH levels

The pH in my Betta tank is about 7.4-7.5 and maybe close to 7.6 Hard to tell exactly with the color chart. I tested today and while all other parameters are zero the pH seems a bit higher than normal (I'd say 7.6). Should I be worried and is there a natural way to reduce the pH slightly? What is the recommended pH level? Some say to 7.5 is okay. Thx.

Most aquarium fish are pretty adaptable to pH levels. The real danger is in rapid changes of pH, temperature, etc. One way to gradually lower pH is the installation of real driftwood. Malaysian driftwood is a good choice and is available on EBay and Aquabid.com. You should soak it in a bucket of clean water for a day or so before putting it in an aquarium. The driftwood will give the water a slight yellow tint, which will fade with a few partial water changes. You should be very careful using driftwood from rivers or lakes, because it may have parasites. The volume of the driftwood should probably take up no more than ten percent or so of the aquarium's water volume. The smaller the Betta tank, the more careful you have to be about adding anything that will change water parameters.

One more thing that will slightly lower pH is Indian almond leaf (Catappa leaf), which you can also find on Aquabid.com and EBay. I would avoid using chemical pH changers for two reasons. One, the pH in your tank is OK. Two, it's too easy to put in too much and thereby put the fish into shock.

Thanks johnarthur! I appreciate the info. Since you say the pH is ok I will just leave well enough alone. I think my tank is finally cycled and Sharky is doing a lot better now . I was just a little worried about the slight increase in pH. I did buy the hornwort as you had recommended so I gather it's possible that this may have raised the pH? Cheers...

I'm not sure if it would raise the pH, but it will eat ammonia. pH variations are not uncommon in tanks that are cycling. It's better to wait for the nitrogen cycle to finish before adding fish.

Well, I am just learning so much thanks again...