Final Stocking Draft?

[McCool]

TANK:
55 gallons
Sand
Standard 4ft tank
Two T5 39W daylight bulbs
Fluval 306 canister filter
Planted. Eventually, I want it to be VERY heavily planted.
Driftwood. Lots of hiding places. 
Fully cycled.
Been running for around a year now.
PH is very high. Like 8. I know, I know, I need to get this down. Suggestions for that are welcome.Ammonia- 0
Nitrite- 0
Nitrate- 20-40 
50% WC every week


SUGGESTED STOCK:
Okay.... 
1 Angelfish
2 Bolivian Rams... Already have these
3 Red Swordtails... Already have these
8 Bosemani Rainbows
4 Zebra Loaches... Already have these
1 BN Pleco

Any obvious problems? I know the Rams don't do well in Ph, as I wasn't aware when I bought them, but the pair seems to be doing well in my tank. Colorful, nice fins, eating good and growing. If I do see any problem with them, I will give them up, but for some reason they seem to be doing excellent. Perhaps my test kit is off?
Anyways, suggestions welcome!

 

[thereverendturtle]

You might want to start using r.o. water to help lower your pH. I know much of Texas has liquid rock for tap water. A
As for the proposed stock, I would look into one of the smaller rainbows; praecox, forktail, blue-eyed...
Other than that, I'd say all is well.

 

[McCool]

You might want to start using r.o. water to help lower your pH. I know much of Texas has liquid rock for tap water. A
As for the proposed stock, I would look into one of the smaller rainbows; praecox, forktail, blue-eyed...
Other than that, I'd say all is well.

Honestly, R.O water seems like a lot of trouble from what I've seen from my mothers saltwater tank... Not sure I'm willing to deal with it. I'll look into other rainbows I guess. I had a few other members say they'd be suitable... What if I did a group of 6 instead? Sorry, I may be pushing it, They are just one of the fish I was really excited about...

 

[thereverendturtle]

The 8 Bosemani rainbows will be fine in your tank. I was more concerned with compatibility with the angel. I've seen some rainbows get aggressive as they mature and though not chronic Finnish nippers, its always a possibility.

 

[Sammy1911]

If i was you i would look for fish that prefer the ph you have... much simpler solution imo. i was breeding apistos and used ph down which was fine for my 12G i soon got bored though but on a larger scale i can only imagine it being a nightmare to maintain.
That said if you wanted to bring it down say by 0.5 -1.0 have a look at alder cones or peat balls.

 

[Jenste]

Driftwood also lowers pH.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Driftwood, peat and leaf litter (oak is a nice choice) will all lower your pH naturally and slowly leach tannins into the water, which many fish appreciate.