water testers

[dts_spawn]

Are pH and kH testers a must? And what is the difference between Carbonate Hardness (kh) and Total Hardness (gh)?

[CT]

I think kH and pH is neccessart as with this two readings, we can read off the CO2 level from the pH/kH chart

[dts_spawn]

i use those tablet CO2. do i still need the testers?

Tank Dimensions (LxWxH): 30cmX18cmX20cm
Lighting Intensity(No of Watts) :
Type of Lighting (FL/PL/MH) : PL
No. of Hours your light is on: around 10-12
Type of CO2 (DIY/Liquid/Tank) : I use a tablet that will dissolve for CO2
How thick is your gravel : around 4cm
Type of Filter (overhead/internal/canister) : overhead
How long has your tank been set up : 1 month+

Carbonate Hardness (kh): unknown (no tester)
Total Hardness (gH): unknown (no tester)
PH : unknown (no tester)
NH4 (ppm):
NO2 (ppm):
NO3 (ppm):
PO4 (ppm):
Fe (ppm):

Bioload (Your Fish and Plants)
------------------------------
around 10 neon tetra, 1 puffer fish, 2 otto, 2 SAE

[PeterGwee]

Drop the tablet CO2 and overhead filter if you want to go the CO2 way of doing things. You are better off doing DIY CO2 and an internal filter for your tank size. How much lights do you have over your tank by the way? Types of plants? For your info, your bioload is pretty high for such a small tank.

Regards
Peter Gwee

[dts_spawn]

i have one 1ft PL light but i don't know the voltage. the guy at the shop said 1ft light won't write voltage and it is small. the light is purple in colour. and what will be the optimal bioload? and also which brand of pH and kH testers are recommended? And should i get pH testers that can test 6+ to 7+ or from 7+ to 8+? please advice.