Testing tank water?

[BGBC]

Through different forums, I've seen a lot about testing your water's ammonia, ph & nitrate levels. I've been keeping fish for about the last year and the only thing I've tested is the ph (it's about 8.2). I've got a 55, 75, 29 & 10 and keep b. rams, angels, geophagus, oscars & parrots (and of course a couple plecos and cories).

I do 1/2 water changes weekly on each and testing doesn't seem to be terribly neccessary as I've never had any kind of problems. What is it I'm missing? TIA!

 

[emoore]

Ammonia and Nitrite should be zero for a cycled tank. I don't test those too often (about once every few weeks to make sure they are zero). Those tests are most useful when you are trying to cycle a tank. I test the Ph and Nitrate once a week because I am injecting CO2 and have plants. After the bacteria turns the fish waste from ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate, water changes are the best way to get rid of the nitrate. I would suggest testing ammonia, nitrite and nitrate every so often to make sure everything is ok. It is good to have those test kits on hand in case something goes wrong and you might be able to find out what and do something to save the fish.