Betta fish require dechlorinated water with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 and temperature within 76-81 degrees Fahrenheit. The type of water you put in your betta fish’s tank can have a major impact on their health. Water might look the same whether it comes from your faucet or a bottle you buy at the store. Like the air we breathe, the water betta fish live in should be just right. You want to replicate their natural habitat and required minerals and nutrients as best as possible. Following these water guidelines will keep your betta fish happy, healthy, and beautiful.
Recommended water parameters
Tap water for betta fish?
The water most readily available for most of us is the water that comes straight from a faucet. Depending on where you live tap water usually has added chemicals like chlorine. These chemicals make tap water safe for us to drink. Those same chemicals that help us are capable of hurting or even killing a betta fish.
Luckily, there are plenty of high-quality, and inexpensive water conditioners to remove chemicals from your tap water in seconds. This makes it safe for your betta fish to live in. There are betta-specific water conditioners and those for freshwater fish in general, either is fine to use.
Tap water is excellent for betta fish because once you remove the chlorine, chloramines, and other heavy metals, it contains a variety of nutrients and minerals betta fish need to thrive. It’s also easy to mix hot and cold water to make it as close as possible to the ideal temperature for your betta’s habitat (test with a thermometer) before adding it.
Betta fish are happiest and healthiest when the water temperature is between 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep your water temperature within that range, you may need to purchase a heater for your betta fish if the surrounding air in the room is colder.
Spring water for betta fish (bottled water)?
Bottled spring water is a great alternative to tap water for betta fish. Spring water does not contain chlorine so it’s safe to use in betta tanks. While it’s more expensive, it may be required by those who live in areas with well or extremely hard water. Unlike distilled water, it hasn’t been processed to remove minerals and nutrients.
Always make sure to check the pH of your water before adding it to your tank. Different brands of bottled water contain different pH levels due to their processing. Bottled spring water pH levels may range anywhere from below 6 to higher than 9. Achieving a perfect 7 on the pH scale is very difficult. Oxidation occurs the moment it’s exposed to the open air. Products like pH up or down may be required to treat and alter the pH of a particular brand of spring water.
Gallons of spring water can be purchased for a dollar or two at your local supermarket, and if the pH level is fine, it typically already contains the nutrients your fish will need to stay healthy. It can also be kept on hand in the same room as the tank, so the temperatures of the water in the bottle and the tank should be somewhat similar.
Stress coat additives are also helpful when using some spring waters that don’t have a lot of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Distilled water for betta fish?
Distilled water should not be used in betta habitats unless treated to add essential nutrients and control pH levels. Distilled or purified water, is very different from regular tap water and spring water because it has been processed to remove all chemicals, minerals, and nutrients, leaving you with nothing but pure water.
Betta fish living in untreated distilled water lack many of the minerals they need to survive. As a result, they will lack energy, have a dull-looking appearance, and could die. Using distilled water is not ideal because of the additional work required to make it safe. Use tap water or bottled water instead.
Betta-specific water?
Betta water normally comes in one-gallon containers or smaller and has been pre-conditioned for betta fish. It falls within the correct pH and has been stripped of harmful chemicals (like chlorine) and heavy metals. While it’s more expensive it’s also very safe for betta fish. This water is not required since you can easily treat tap water with a conditioner on your own. If you want convenience you can instantly add this water to your betta’s habitat, which is a big selling point for some.
Well water for betta fish?
Well water may not be ideal for betta fish because it often contains chemicals used in pesticides and fertilizers, and may have high quantities of heavy metals like copper or iron. Well water is also unsafe if treated with chlorine to remove contaminants for drinking unless a conditioner is used.
Those who have well water may also have water-softening systems to reduce hardness, which is a pH of 8.5 or above. Water softeners work by replacing calcium and magnesium with salt. While the salt will be minimal in the tap water from a well, these minerals are essential for a betta. Too hard or too soft water is not ideal and a pH as close as possible to 7 is best.
Most local pet stores will test your water if you bring in a sample. This is highly encouraged as a starting point if you’re unsure about the water in your home. While most conditioners treat heavy metals, chlorine, ammonia, and other contaminants that could hurt your fish, some may only treat heavy metals. Make sure you have the right conditioner for your situation.
Betta fish pH level
It’s important to keep pH in mind when establishing a new tank, through ongoing maintenance, and when performing partial or complete water changes. Betta fish prefer a pH between 6.5 and 8 but can tolerate slightly more acidic water if the change is made gradually. The most important part is the consistency of pH within this range.
As your betta fish poops in the tank and as uneaten food and debris collect, the pH will increase. This is why consistent partial water changes and cleanings are so important. The smaller the tank, the faster the water’s parameters will fluctuate. Test strips are inexpensive and can save your betta’s life with a quick pH test.
Changing your betta fish’s water
Always limit drastic changes in temperature and pH. Betta fish need consistency to limit stress. Establishing a nitrogen cycle for new tanks, partial water changes for established tanks, and acclimation can help reduce stress and promote optimal health.
Perform 20-25% partial water changes in their tank at evenly spaced intervals. Timing will depend on the size of your tank, and whether or not it’s filtered. Full 100% water changes are also required on an as-needed basis for deeper cleanings to remove algae and waste from the substrate, equipment, and aquarium.
For example, a 5-gallon filtered tank should be cycled with a partial water change of 20% 1-2 times per week with new, properly conditioned water. This keeps the water as consistent as possible and lessens the amount of ammonia, bacteria, and stress on your betta fish. Unfiltered tanks may need closer monitoring as nitrogen cycles are more difficult to regulate and may require increased partial and complete water changes.
What to remember
The most important thing to remember is that not all water is created equal. Water quality varies greatly depending on the source. Bettas require homeostasis and that means consistency for things like temperature, minerals, pH, and nutrients. Tap water and spring water are the best kinds of water for your betta fish. Keep water test strips available for easy readings and monitoring.
I have a 10 gal tank. I have 2 boy guppies and 2 snails for about a month. I finally put in a beautiful baby boy betta. He has more than doubled in size in a month. Everyone is getting along. The guppies be trying to bother the betta. The betta act as if he don’t see them. I use to feed 3 times a day. Now i feed twice a day. Do you think that the betta will kill the guppies as he gets bigger. Or the guppies able to kill the betta. I just hope the mansion i gave the betta will be well worth it. How big will my betta get in a 10 gal tank?
That’s great to hear Sylvia, if they are feeder guppies you will have a better chance than fancy guppies because of bright coloring. It’s hard to say because all temperaments are different, you’ll have to keep an eye on them and leave plenty of hiding spaces. Your betta will get to be around 2-2.5 inches in length (body), unlike goldfish for example, they do not get bigger depending on the size of tank.
Can I use rain water for my betas?
Rain water on its own does not contain the good minerals that betta fish need. Rainwater absorbs these from the ground/rocks/dirt/sand etc and it’s out of the recommended pH range with average rain water pH being around 5.0-5.5. Based on this information, no, it’s not a good idea to use rain water.
In regards to the goldfish, they do not grow bigger depending on the tank size. I have seen goldfish that were in a tank smaller than required and developed an “S” shape because they grew too big.
Can you use lake water for Beta fish?
Heck no, lake water has a bunch of bacteria maybe parasites – it might also have a different Ph, too many factors.
So do I not add chlorine to the water for beta fish
No, chlorine is toxic to betta fish.
I have a four year old Betta who lived three years in a small unfiltered tank before I adopted him. He’s acting sluggish, rests on the bottom a lot. Wondering if he’s bored, unwell, etc. Loves to eat, can’t wait for the next meal. Bloodworms, beef heart, brine shrimp. I’ve set up a filter system, but am unsure of when and how to do water changes. It’s a four gallon tank. I’m tempted to go back to unfiltered. ?????????
Four years old is an older betta fish and they will get less active as they get older, that’s perfectly normal. I would do roughly 25% water changes/cyclings 1-2 times a week in the filtered tank. Our care page has more detailed information too.
I don’t know a lot about bettas however in my limited data base (my brain) a filtered fish tank is better than one that is unfiltered. You can keep the water within health limits better. Give your fish some tender loving care check the water and do you have a heater for your fish tank? Your fish will love for a long time and may even improve in health. From Margaret fish mom
Hey i just got a new Betta fish and I’m wondering if I can put purified drinking water and a bit of salt water in the tank.
I would do a test on the purified drinking water to make sure the pH is suitable among other important parameters. Also, you can add a small amount of aquarium salt following its instructions as it does help alleviate stress and other ailments.
Tap water PH fluctuates a lot. Straight out of tap GH 3 KH 1. Low KH could explain my PH being inconsistent. It’s bad for the fish and I think the readings are just too low. What products is best to remineralise or recondition my tap water. I also have RO unit I use for my shrimp keeping. I can use RO and remineralise. I’m ready to invest in remineraliser but there’s just too many in the market don’t know what to get. What GH KH range does Betta require? Please help
Yeah the KH and GH should be pretty much identical. If it fluctuates so much from your tap water, have you considered buying spring water in bulk? This may be cheaper than a bunch of additional products and constantly trying to get things in the correct range. GH and KH should be around 100-150 PPM on average similar to your GH reading of 3.
Bryan,
I have a 4 1/2 year old Betta in a 10 gallon tank. Our tap water here in San Diego is terrible so I’ve changed to R/O. How much tap water should I add back in?
idk
It all depends on the parameters? Get some test strips and consider purchasing spring water in bulk.
I’ve been using spring water because San Diego has terrible hard water and ammonia. I’ve tried everything to cut the ammonia down but spring water was the answer. I still have the problems with hard water and I don’t know how to solve it. Spring water still shows the water hard. Do I have to resort to R/O water and where can you get this? Or any other suggestions?
Thank you! I knew the tap water here was bad but people kept telling me I was being paranoid. Back to spring water for my betta.
I was wondering if it was better and safe to boil my tap water to use for my tank after it cools?
I have a new Betta and I need to know water to use for him
What if you don’t have the water the Betta needs? Can I just use sink water and add water conditioner?
That’s usually the best approach, so long as your tap water has the proper pH and is clean/safe.
I like the water information. My betta has cotton fins. Using fungal cure do I need stress coat?
Stress coat can come included in some water conditioners like API’s product. It’s a good idea to further reduce stress during fungal infections and treatment. You can visit the diseases page for more information.
hi, can I add few drops of chlorine for my beta?
No, chlorine is poisonous/harmful to betta fish.
Hi, Bryan.
You say, “Full water changes are also needed weekly.” I’ve been reading a lot of different sources, and your site is the first to say this. Can you tell me why I’ll need to do a 100% water change every week?
I’m still in the process of putting together my five-gallon tank. I have another question. I was planning to cycle it with a little ammonia. I asked the guy at the fish store if he had any little bottles of ammonia for sale. He freaked out, and asked me why. When I told him I was going to do a fishless cycle, he insisted I just put in some bio-stuff (bottled bacteria?) and plop in my fish; that the fish’s waste would do the rest. Now I’m confused. Can you tell me which is the best way to do a fishless cycle?
Thanks, Bryan.
Hi K.J. – The wording in that sentence is a little confusing, my apologies. It’s hard to give recommendations that are foolproof because everyone’s situation is different. That recommendation is that it may be required for some people depending on the size of their tank. Some people have tank mates, some have filters – some don’t, some people have different size tanks, some have live plants. You will likely only need to do full water changes once a month in a 5-gallon with a betta depending on a few factors like uneaten food, live plants, regular water changes and maintenance. I recommend you get a test strip kit to monitor your water parameters. And yes, you don’t want bottled ammonia, you want the healthy bacteria supplement if you are not going to do a fishless cycle to establish the proper nitrogen cycle.
Hiya. What about using both the ammonia and the bacterial supplement? The good bacteria is there to get the ammonia right at the outset. (I have to confess it sounds like a good plan. It was Dr. Tim I saw do that on YouTube.)
You never want ammonia to be above 0, ideally, therefore I do not recommend that.
I just bought my Beta fish I have a almost gallon tank .The fist 2 Days it was clear now 3rd.day it’s cloudy .shouldvi set him aside with some water & clean out his tank ? I did use dawn dish soap to clean his tank before using it ??
A few words of advice for you Wanda – betta fish need a habitat of 2.5-gallons or larger to be healthy and happy. That size tank will get dirty and dangerous (ammonia levels, etc.) very very quickly like you are describing and need cleanings and water changes much faster. I recommend upgrading the tank to the proper size. And for cleaning, never using soap, it can kill your betta and is hard to get all of it out of the tank. Rinsing with hot, hot tap water is sufficient, or you can add some white vinegar for deeper cleanings and then rinse thoroughly for several minutes.
After seeing your last comment to wanda, you may hate me, but reading through this has helped me understand how to make my betta happier…I did get one of those cheap 1.5 liter tanks at PETS R US*** when I got my betta. I did a little research back then and I clean out his tank after an hour for unwanted food thats still floating around. Also change 100% of the water ever 7-10 days. I kept the tub he came in. I use half of the water he was already in and half of the new water and let him float around for an hour or so while the tank full of tap water with like a drop and a half of conditioner come to room temp. I get the water as hot as hell itself then spray down his silk plants. I am going to add vinegar as I have had to replace decor getting gross too fast.
Very helpful information provided, thanks I’ve just become a grand betta mom love all animals love new pets to my personal zoo, 4 chows for breeding and 5 puppies, a chiwuwienne plus rescued 2 kittens thrown in dump bottle fed them now I have 10 kittens betta fish. I’ve owned pet skunk, chinchilla, 3 greets at once, each face cockatiel, rabbits who brought me a litter but male was mating while she was giving birth all died, ducks in bathtub, a chicken better than watch dog, a chicken watch dog, and honestly chicken and cat were buddies cat walked aside chicken pecking insects cat did same, I had 3 baby wild skunks come in doggie door I tried everything block them out they ate thru walls to come in, one lived under refrigerator 2 weeks, boy was I careful not upset it, one would throw back legs up and dance front paws 5-10 minutes, they always showed up 9pm, since I could find anyone to remove glands I caught them in pet carrier using dog food, that attracted a raccoon showed up next day at 5pm sat on table I had my trap well 2 days later brought 2 babies, I really wanted babies but way to big go there and finally a fox too. Caught skunks for someone, I stopped putting food out for fear what next mostly worried for coyote, I live in boonies loved it, no reptiles for me but would love have iguana. Read any all you can to care for any pet, otherwise curel and usually they die for lack of educating themselves like any good mom should do. Did I miss any animals. This how much I love animals went to buy a male peachface cockatiel for female I inherited she laid couple eggs so I went for male cockatiel come home with him, 3 ferrets, chinchilla and everything they needed; cages, food, etc I spent $800 loved it. If anyone can add ideas of animals I haven’t had I’m open for rare exotic or domesticated. debilynstrickland328@gmail.com. oh couple baby squirrels, they must have cat milk even though they eat nuts, fruits at any age both mine died, vet advised me of this now can’t lucky get one since. Tylenol to a cat is lethal and RAISINS ARE LETHAL TO DOGS AND CHOCOLATE NEVER TO AN ANIMAL. BEST SEEK ADVISE FROM VET BEFORE ANY HOME REMEDIES. ZOOLADY. LOL,
Hi Bryan, I just got 2 betta fish and am using imagitarium fresh fish water from petco. Is this water safe for them and it says uv purified water so would it contain the nutrients they need? thank you, debbie
Hi Debbie – That water is perfectly fine to use, although not necessary and expensive. If your tap water is safe to drink, you can use that with conditioning drops to remove chlorine and other harmful metals, making it safe for your betta.
Hi – I just bought mineral rocks and betta mineral balls. I have 4 bettas – can I use both or should I only use one or the other? also, how many rocks in each? I have 2 small bettas in 1.5 tanks, one larger one in a 3 gallon and another small one ins 2 gallon. thanks!!!!
You can use both, but one or the other is adequate. For how many, I would consult with the product’s packaging or vendor.
I’ve purchased a 2.5 gallon aquarium and plan to get one betta fish to put in there. I am reading things about a 4-6 week fishless cycle??? Do I need to do that? This is for my 10 year old, and I don’t want to just kill his first fish, but it seems complicated… Can I fill it with tap water and add betta water conditioner and be good to go? Do I need to look for the bacteria water additive I saw you mention in another comment? Or do I really need to figure out the fishless cycle?
Hi Melissa, you can use a quick start product which adds beneficial bacteria into the water and reduces the time of needing a fishless cycle to basically instantaneous. Add this an your water conditioner drops and then acclimate the betta into the water slowly (float in cup or bag) allowing him to adjust to the new water and temperature.
Hi Bryan,
I purchased a 3 gallon aquarium and accessories (filter, heater, thermostat etc.) to keep a Betta at my office. Was told to leave the tank open overnight and the chlorine would evaporate. I did just that so the next morning I went out to buy a fish. (Around 10 am). By the time I Ieft to go home (3:30pm), the fish had died. Went back to the store, they gave me a new one. I went back to work to put the fish in the tank, came back this morning (Monday) only to find this one dead as well. I used regular tap water. I’ve had Betta fish’ before with just regular tap water in a small glass fish bowl and they were fine. Any advice here please?
First, I would buy some water conditioning drops. They’re inexpensive and will make sure there is 0ppm chlorine in the water. Many also have the added benefit of providing stress coat. Second, are you acclimating the betta fish to the new habitat? Floating the cup or bag for 20-30 minutes to help him or her adjust to the temperature? Also adding small amounts of the tanks water during that time is ideal to adjust them to the water parameters too. To die that fast, it sounds like a toxin or stress/shock.
Can I just put well water in microwave (to kill bacteria ) and cool for Betta? Do I still need to add water conditioner to it?
Is it okay to use tap water that I’ve dechlorinated by boiling?
Yes, but I would test it first to make sure. I know some keepers who also use the method of leaving water out uncovered for 12-24 hours to let the chlorine evaporate. You would also need to ensure the absence of chloramines and any other heavy metals in your tap water
What is the best way to keep the GH of the tap water in the right range? Mine is in between 120-180. I would like it at a more normal range. Please let me know. Thank you, Diane
Bettas can tolerate a wide-range of General Hardness (GH), ideal is 100-150. If you wanted to further reduce it to keep away from the 180, you’d have to look at a tap water softener to reduce the hardness of your water.
I have a Betta in a 2.5 gallon tank. I just added a heater and filter to it. The filter current is not strong and seems to be helping keep the water clean. Once the filter and heater was added for one day fish seemed fine. Last night I left filter off to let him sleep better I thought. Today his eyes look bulgy and he is swimming a little off and staying at the bottom more. Water was warm but within normal range. I turned filter back on and water temp dropped quickly to middle normal range. I feel like I’m going to kill this fish. Is the filter hurting ? Could I have installed it wrong? Is it the heater? I live in Minnesota so it’s so cold in my apartment. Any advice would help. Thanks!
Is the intake area baffled or safe and won’t allow your betta to get caught or stuck in it? I generally only recommend sponge filters and live plants for tanks 3-gallons or less to help with filtration because of the turbulence other filters can cause. It shouldn’t be the heater if it’s keeping the proper range – my guess would be the filter.
I have a 10 gallon tank with 1 betta in it. Should I add aquarium salt to the water? How much? I have seen that it is good for the fish but people disagree on the amount to add.
There are differing opinions on it that’s for sure. After reading it directly from the IBC (https://www.ibcbettas.org/aquarium-salt-the-healthy-preventative-v-2-0/) I have used it pretty regularly in my tanks. You can refer to that article for dosing as well.
I have a one gallon tank with a filter, single Betta with no live plants. How often do I need to do a full water cahnge? Thanks!!
I don’t recommend power filters in tanks under 3-gallons, and a minimum size of 2.5-gallons is required for betta fish. In a one-gallon tank, you may need to do a 100% change weekly along with several partial water changes throughout the week. Water dirties very fast and pH can spiral out of control quick in a 1-gallon tank.
Bryan
My tap water is very hard and very alkaline even with betta conditioning drops. Would it help to mix the tap water with some rain (this time of year snow) water. My tank is 3 gallon and I have been using a filter. Would I need to add minerals or just the conditioning drops?
I wouldn’t use rain or snow because it may come in contact with things that could hurt your fish – on the ground or in an unclean container (bugs etc.) or even be very acidic. You could try mixing your tap water with some natural spring water that you can find in gallon or larger jugs. You may also find that you have to switch to spring water completely. There are some products which can help adjust hardness on the market, however, if yours is very hard you may look into using RO water as another option.
I want to know what I did wrong. I’ve had my male betta fish for over 3 months now, he’s been living in a 3/4 gallon tank. We didn’t know which water to use so we used purified water. It seemed to work. One week( before Christmas), I left him to the care of my friend. When he returned, he became very scared of me and refused to eat. A couple nights ago, We moved him to a bigger tank. Because filling it would use up a lot of water, we used some sink water. He was so happy, and swam all over. I didn’t realize it at the time, but there was mold in the top corner, and he has been hanging around it. He died last night. Is it because of the mold? The water? His lack of nutrition? All of that? What can we do to avoid this to happen again?
It would be very hard for me to say exactly what caused your betta to die. It could have been a combination of many things as you said. Conditioned tap water is what I prefer to use for my bettas, but my tap water is also ideal in pH and minerals, whereas some people have very hard water. Betta fish also get stressed very easily from abrupt changes in water temperature and parameters which is why you should always acclimate them into the new water slowly so they can adapt. Think of it like you jumping in a pool – it’s always a little shocking at first until you adjust and easier if you slowly enter the water on each step of the stairs. Also, the recommend tank size minimum is 2.5-gallons and the water should be heated.
I’m finding conflicting information. For the Betta tank should I fill the tank with softened tap water, reverse osmosis, or hard water (very hard, think Texas). What do you think?
Very hard water is not ideal nor is very soft water you want it in the middle. Reverse osmosis water on its own, like distilled water doesn’t have the ability to buffer pH with everything stripped from it. You would probably do best by mixing the hard texas water with some RO water. While betta fish will adapt to water that is slightly one way or the other, the ideal parameters are: pH 6.5-7.5, Ammonia 0ppm, Chlorine 0ppm, nitrites 0ppm, Nitrates less than 40ppm, GH (general hardness) and KH should be around 100-150ppm. You’ll have to get a water test kit in order to get an idea of what you’ll need to do.
I used to keep my Bettas in small unfiltered tanks, and they thrived…some living upwards of 3 years. This year, I decided to get them larger space with heater, filter, etc. NOW, their tanks are overrun by a brown algae and I could change the water every other day! My question is, how to keep the algae down? how can I change water once a week without stressing my boys? Can I pull and clean fixtures of the algae without changing the water or would that be harmful?
Brown algae can be a sign there is not enough light entering the tank. Are you running an aquarium light at all or is the room and tank dark all day? If it’s really persistent, you may have to take everything out and clean/scrub it in hydrogen peroxide solution to kill it off and then let everything fully dry before rinsing thoroughly and returning to the tank. As for your water questions, partial water changes (20-25% of total volume) are the best way to limit stress. And yes, you can remove the decorations and clean them (no soap), and then return them to the tank without changing the water. I keep a soft bristled aquarium designated toothbrush in my kit for this purpose.
I am having trouble controlling Algae in my beta tank. What can I do? Can I add something like No More Algae tablets from tetra without hurting my fish?
Do you have your tank near a window? If so, sun can cause spikes in green algae. If it’s brown algae, it may mean the tank isn’t getting enough light. I would try fixing the issue without additives first. Increasing your partial water changes should also help. If it’s really persistent you could try a 100% water change and clean everything (except live plants) in a hydrogen peroxide+water solution, scrubbing with a soft bristle toothbrush to kill and remove the algae off of everything.
Testing w/API 5 in 1 test strips my 10 gallon Aqueon filterd/heated/heavily planted betta tank shows a GH at 180 & a KH at 0. Testing w/API master freshwater test kit all other parameters are wnl. Will this KH & GH abnormalities harm my betta “Blue”. I already lost one 4 months after getting him to bloat/swim bladder and pine coning I DON’T want to loose this one.
The KH is too low if your kit is accurately measuring the parameters.
If you have a tank of at least 2.5 gallons with a filter that is fully cycled with no ammonia or nitrites ever showing, there is NEVER a need for a full water change. In fact it will unnecessarily stress the poor fish and may destroy the cycle. Changes of water from 20 to 35% done weekly are all that is necessary.
Good point. I updated that section and agree with you but it was for unfiltered tanks.. keep up on the partial water changes and all is well unless for deeper cleanings due to other circumstances.
Hello! I’m wanted to get a male betta and have a ten gallon tank with 50 watt heater and a good looking heater. How often should I clean out the water( I am planning to use spring water in bulk)? Do I need another fish with him? I don’t know if the tank is too big for one fish. Also, is there an instrument of some sort that you all are using to see the levels of ammonia and stuff in the water? Like is there a thermometer type thing I can buy that tells me the water levels and chemicals and stuff?
For a ten gallon tank you should be okay doing a partial 20-25% water volume change per week as regular maintenance. To be sure, you would monitor the water parameters with water test strips to find out levels of ammonia, etc. There are more advanced “smart” monitors that I do not currently have experience with, but a basic aquarium thermometer will also tell you the water temp. A 5-gallon would be plenty for 1 betta, but a 10-gallon is not too big so long as you create a natural habitat environment with plants (real or fake) and decorations, substrate, etc.
Is it ok to use softened water? A mix of softened water and RO water? Thank you!
Hi Bryan! I just got a betta. His name is Frank. I have soft water in my tank right now with the conditioner. No plants or gravel. And a filter. It’s a 2.5 gallon. I’m debating on getting a slightly bigger tank and changing the water to my RO or purchasing the betta water (so I don’t mess up). I love this fish so I don’t want to do ANYTHING wrong.
Hi! when you do the 20-30 water change, do you treat the water from the tap your putting back in? I have a 5 gal tank with one Betta! Thank You
Using our tap water and the ph, nitrite and nitrate are right on.
Our tank is cycled and did weekly water changes
Water temp is fine
Have a sponge filter and bubbler
10 gallon tank
Only feed what our betta eats and we have a shrimp in the tank
Feed a variety of food
Almound leaves and a few rocks and silk plants
On our third betta and they all start to get fin rot and pass
Our shrimp is fine!
What is going wrong?
What can I use as a ph down? I already have some for horticultural use (potassium something or another Im pretty sure) can I use that or just plain vinegar or?