How to perform tests

Question
Thanks anyway, but could you please help me with this.. should I keep using the power filter and is it okay to add a liquid filter?

My power filter has a cartridge which said to be a bio-filter.. is it enough? or should try to find a bio-wheel?

I'm trying to do whatever it takes to keep the aquarium water healthy, and I'm afraid if I over do since I can't find any way to test the water!

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Followup To

Question -
Hi,

First of all thanks for all your efforts to help me and the others in this great site.

I have setup a small aquarium (12 gal) with a power filter and around 12 of small fish.
I know I made a mistake and rushed; I wish if I had read the articles earlier.

I lost 4 fishes until now and I hope I don't lose any more... but the problem is that I'm not able to do any tests because testing tools are not available in the local market and it needs about 2-3 weeks to arrive if I ordered online!

So, if you can advice me how to perform water-quality tests without pet-store tools and what to do to keep the water healthy until it becomes stable.

- Lost Fishs didn't suffer diseases.. they just died after a short period of looking tired (less activity)
- I feed them non-floating flakes and there's no decoration

Answer -
Sorry, I am not much of a chemist and I am afraid that I can't really offer you any useful information.

Answer
"Liquid filters" are really hit or miss. Some work, some don't. I haven't had much luck because I prefer the weaker and more colorful community fishes in my tanks, but I know some who have had fantastic results. So it's really up to you.

Honestly, for freshwater tanks the biowheel system is almost useless. Almost all of the essential bacteria will be housed and maintained in your tank itself. Any good old power filter with an activated carbon insert is a definate for your freshwater fishes. The activated carbon will also help to filter out any bad things from your tank.

It's really hard to overdo any type of water conditioner. Get a bottle of cycle, some conditioner that removes nitrites and nitrates, chloramine and such and keep an activated carbon insert in your tank and it's usually ready for fish in 24 hours or less. If you really have trouble getting a hold of your tests or water conditioners and you are worried about it, just run the tank with the carbon insert for at least 7 days before you make any additions. The carbon will slowly weed out anything that can kill your fishes over time. The pH is something you will have to worry about when you get to it, but I doubt a point above or below 7.0 will hurt the fish. Fish have a preference on what pH they like, but with acclimation any fish can really live in any pH that isn't too extreme.

I hope I helped a little more.