Testing water

[newfishmom]

How often do you test your water in your tank/bowl? I am adding some homemade wooden stuff today and want to keep an eye on things. Suggestions?

{yes...I scrubbed everything down with a small brush, I used my dremmel tool to sand down any ruff edges then scrubbed it down again. I did boil the wood(3 times) and let it soak and the water wasn't turning colors anymore}