A pH reading of 7.8 is not really in the danger zone IMO so I chose to ride-out the last of the original salt mix suspecting that a premium brand of salt would yield the correct pH level. Also, I tend to shy away from putting buffers in the tank if I could avoid it. In this case it worked out and in due course with a couple of more water changes my pH should creep up slowly to where it should be with minimal stress to the fish.
With my track record (2 sudden deaths) I doubt I'll be ever needing a QT to treat sick fish. Seriously though, I will eventually buy another tank so a QT is still in the picture. Maybe I'll keep the 20g as my QT and buy something bigger for a reef tank.
This hobby is sick ! ..........love it
