Buzz
One of the most crucial aspects of raising betta fish is understanding how to properly change the water in their tank. A dirty tank is harmful to the fish and can lead to illnesses, but improperly changing the water can also negatively affect them. There are two methods for changing water in a betta tank: partial water changes and full water changes. Partial water changes are generally preferred, as completely replacing the water can shock the fish.
Select the Method
- Partial Water Change: Change the water at least once a week. Tanks or small aquariums without filtration will require more frequent water changes.
- Full Water Change: This is only necessary when the tank is excessively dirty or if ammonia levels remain high after several partial water changes.
Steps to Follow
Partial water change
Prepare fresh water. Pour clean water into a large, clean tank while keeping the current aquarium undisturbed. Use a water conditioner (available at pet stores) to remove chlorine and harmful chemicals from the water.
- Follow the instructions on the packaging, ensuring you use the correct dosage based on your tank's size.
Let the water warm up. Adding fish to water with a temperature difference can cause harm. Allow the treated water to sit at room temperature for an hour to make it safe and comfortable for the fish.
- Alternatively, you can mix hot water with cold tap water until it matches the temperature of the current tank water. Use a thermometer to ensure both water temperatures are equal, then add the water conditioner as directed.
Remove some water from the current tank. To change part of the water, you need to drain some of the existing water and replace it with treated clean water. Use a clean cup or similar tool to remove approximately 25% to 50% of the water from the tank while leaving the fish inside.
- For accuracy, you can measure the water as you remove it. For example, if you have a 75-liter tank, remove about 40 liters using a measuring tool.
- You can also use a siphon to transfer water from the tank into a bucket or basin. Once the siphon starts, place it near the gravel at the bottom of the tank to remove waste, leftover food, and other debris.
Add fresh water to refill the aquarium. Slowly pour the pre-treated clean water into the aquarium until it reaches the original water level. If the bucket is too heavy to lift, you can use a clean cup (or a similar tool) or a pump to add the water. You may not need to remove the Siamese fighting fish, but be sure to pour the water slowly to prevent stressing the fish.
Continue to change the water regularly. Most experts recommend changing the water at least once a week. However, if your aquarium becomes excessively dirty, you may need to change the water more often.
Full water change
Prepare fresh water. Fill a large, clean tank with clean water while keeping the Siamese fighting fish tank undisturbed. Use water softening tablets (available at pet supply stores) to remove chlorine and other harmful substances from the water.
- Follow the instructions on the packaging and use the precise dosage as recommended based on the size of your tank.
Let the water warm up. Placing the Siamese fighting fish into water with a different temperature immediately could harm them. Allow the treated water to sit at room temperature for an hour to ensure it’s safe and comfortable for the fish.
- Alternatively, you can mix hot and cold tap water until it matches the temperature of the current tank water. If you choose this method, use a thermometer to confirm that both tanks have the same temperature, then add the water softener as directed above.
Change the water in the tank. Use a fish net to carefully lift the fish out of the tank and place them into a clean container. Handle the fish gently as their scales are very fragile and can be damaged easily.
Clean the fish tank. Empty the old water from the tank. Gently clean the tank using only clean water and a soft cloth or sponge; soap and other products may harm your fish. Be sure to thoroughly wash the gravel in the tank to remove waste, leftover food, and other debris.
Start filling the tank with water. Take some clean water from the container holding the fish and pour it into the tank. Add just enough water so that the fish can swim comfortably inside.
Return the fish to the tank. Use a net to transfer the fish from the container back into the tank, then slowly pour clean water in. Be sure to handle the fish gently while moving them back to the tank.
Pour the remaining water into the tank. Gradually pour the water from the container into the betta tank. If the container is too heavy to lift and pour, you can use a clean cup (or similar tool) or a pump to transfer the water. The key is to pour the water slowly to avoid disturbing the fish.
Perform a full water change when necessary. Usually, partial water changes are sufficient for the fish tank. However, perform a complete water change if the tank becomes excessively dirty.
Advice
- If you encounter any issues while changing the water or if you believe your fish are sick or struggling to adapt to clean water, contact a veterinarian or your local aquarium supplies store for assistance.
