That does seem a bit high... Just like low PH to high and your fish will die also.... I would say at 8.8 PH your pushing it... IMO best swing to be in is about 6.5 to 7.5... course I am sure some of it would depend on type of fish you have...

My pond is in lime country also and my PH is only about 6.7, but I do have a lot of pines around my pond.... as I slowly get rid of them I am going to see where my PH ends up I think it will rise some...

RC

The only difference between a rut and a Grave is the depth. So get up get out of that rut and get moving!! Time to work!!