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[APD] c02 related ph crash



I have a 10 gallon tank, peat and vermiculite substrate covered in 2 inches of sand. 1 Overhanging filter converted to sponge only filter, another converted to peat filter. Both intakes covered with sponge to protect from sand and for added filtration both mechanical and biological.
I have a variety of plants all doing quite well so far, and 10 cardinal tetras that show no signs of stress.
I use a yeast co2 injector, injecting under a small overturned dish.
Here is where the problem lies: My Ph drops from 6.5(where I want it) to 5.3 in just 24 hours. Bringing it back up to 6.5 involves overdosing with a type of ph up product that does not introduce phosphates or carbonate hardness into the tank.
The fish and plants don't seem to stress much over the huge ph swings, but I have a feeling in the long run it will take its toll. Not to mention that buying and using the ph up product on  such a frequent basis (every day) is a pain.
This tank is merely an experimental tank, where I can make all the mistakes before I set up a much larger tank.
Ok so I guess enough background info has been given (maybe... I hope?) Now for the question:
What can I do to stabilize the aquariums Ph levels? I dont want to increase the carbonate hardness, and I dont want to remove the peat. I have looked everywhere I can think of, and found no solution to the problem that will not raise the hardness of the water. I want to keep the water at least in the midrange to soft levels, because I plan on keeping Cardinal Tetras and eventualy Rams.
If there is no solution to this problem other than something like crushed coral, wich will raise ph but also hardness, will the cardinals and rams thrive in this environment?
Im hoping there is another solution... for  limited budget :)
Thanks,
Michael
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