Question
In doing some research on garden pond pH levels, I ran across a response from Brigitte regarding treating garden pond pH. The question posed to her was from Gene on 7/30/2007 with the topic of "pH too high." She answered that "vinegar is basic (or alkaline). The pH of vinegar is between 8 and 9..."  I don't know where she got this information, but it could not be more inaccurate. The pH of vinegar is, always has been, and always will be 3-4, depending on the amount of the "active" ingredient in the bottle of vinegar, which is (drumroll, please) acetic ACID. If you don't believe me, take your pH dipstick or testing solution and find out for yourself.  White or cider, it won't matter. The result will be off-the-chart low, indicating a pH of below 6, which indicates it is an ACID, not a base. If Brigitte does not know enough chemistry to know the difference between an acid and a base, then she certainly should not qualify as an "expert" on caring for garden ponds. This kind of blaring misinformation is dangerous enough for people to KILL their prized--and often, very expensive--fish. I ask, if vinegar is "basic," as Brigitte states, how is it possible for vinegar to lower pH?

Answer
Hello Drew!
I am not sure where you read that I said Vinegar is basic, but it is NOT something I would EVER say. I might have said that it is "a basic tool to use" or some such, which has nothing to do with its chemistry. That vinegar is acidic is such "a basic" piece of knowledge that it is a "duh" issue!
Please re-read your source before you label me incompetent.