Q&A for How to Change Your Betta Fish Water

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How often should I change my betta's water?
    Craig Morton
    Aquarium Specialist, Aquarium Doctor Inc.
    Craig Morton is the CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc. based in Huntington Beach California and servicing Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire. With over 30 years of aquarium experience, Craig specializes in creating custom aquarium designs along with aquarium installation, service, and maintenance.
    Aquarium Specialist, Aquarium Doctor Inc.
    Expert Answer
    I would recommend doing a partial water change once every week. For unfiltered bowls, change 30-50% of the water, and for filtered tanks, change 20-25% of the water.
  • Question
    How do I get the bubbles out of the water?
    Shadow_wolf_52
    Community Answer
    You don't need to; these are a sign of happiness from your betta and are healthy.
  • Question
    Can I use tap water that is filtered?
    Community Answer
    Not unless you also use a water conditioner.
  • Question
    Can I keep my fish in plastic bottles?
    Jacqueline Lee
    Community Answer
    No, it is very unethical to keep any living creature in an enclosure that small. Please buy a heated, filtered tank, at least 2.5 to 5 gallons.
  • Question
    Can you put drinking water in the Betta's tank?
    Skye Thomas
    Community Answer
    No, all the excess minerals and nutrients in drinking water isn't healthy for your fish.
  • Question
    My betta is not eating. I've had him for three days. Should I be worried?
    Katlover 27
    Community Answer
    No, it takes about a week for betta fish to adjust to new surroundings and they can go about two weeks without eating. If it doesn't eat after it adjusts, try changing foods. If it tries to eat the current food, but spits it out, change the food right away.
  • Question
    How do I prevent the water from becoming cloudy?
    Community Answer
    Just don't feed the fish too much food and be sure to change the water regularly or install a water filtration system to your tank.
  • Question
    Is it okay to have a mirror near a bowl for a betta?
    Community Answer
    You can have a mirror next to a betta fish bowl, but pay attention, as it can stress out your betta .
  • Question
    What kind of filter is good for betta fish?
    Jacqueline Lee
    Community Answer
    Sponge filters are very cheap and have exceptional biological filtration (they grow beneficial bacteria very well), but aren't the best at removing debris. If you are more concerned about less waste in the water, you can purchase a hang-on-back filter.
  • Question
    Can I use a water-filtering product in my betta's bowl?
    Skye Thomas
    Community Answer
    Yes, a filter is definitely mandatory in a bowl or a tank. I also suggest moving your betta into a tank for a healthier lifestyle.
  • Question
    What if I don't have the water conditioner?
    Community Answer
    Try using some filtered drinking water instead. You can also put some tap water in a pitcher and let it sit out for a day or two. The chlorine in the water should evaporate out of the water and make it safe for your fish.
  • Question
    Can I keep bettas in a one gallon tank?
    Community Answer
    Bettas require a minimum of three gallons to be happy and healthy. Contrary to popular belief, small areas create a large amount of stress on betta fish that can cause them to become lethargic and get sick.
  • Question
    How do I top off my betta tank?
    Caeiia
    Top Answerer
    Just add conditioner and more water; don't add salt, medicine, or other additives. It's only water that evaporates, so adding more of the other substances will lead to an overdose.
  • Question
    Is distilled water okay for betta fish?
    Community Answer
    Do not use distilled water as it does not contain enough minerals or dissolved oxygen for a healthy fish. Use tap water instead. Let it breath out the chlorine for 24 hours before using and let it warm to room temperature. I recommend using a betta fish approved water treatment product, as well. Do not keep your betta in a small-sized bowl. A heated five gallon tank is best. Change 50% of the water every week.
  • Question
    How do bettas have offspring?
    Community Answer
    Bettas reproduce sexually. You need to have a female and a male betta. Put the male in a tank for a while, and let him build a bubble nest. After that is done, introduce the female. If they start to fight, remove the female. If they mate, the male will put the eggs in the bubbles. After all the eggs are in the bubbles, remove both fish.
  • Question
    How do I change my betta's water if he doesn't have any gravel at the bottom of his tank?
    Community Answer
    It actually might be easier to change it without having gravel, so just avoid the steps involving gravel.
  • Question
    Is bottled water safe for my betta fish?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as it does not contain chlorine, it is safe. If it does, though, add water conditioner.
  • Question
    How long can I keep spring water stored for my betta fish tank?
    Community Answer
    As long as you like.
  • Question
    My fish's water is very cloudy and filled with powdery food that floats to the bottom of the tank when he eats. How do I prevent this from happening?
    InfiniteWazzle
    Community Answer
    Try giving your tank a 50% water change and maybe try a different type of betta food. I recommend Omega One. My betta loves it.
  • Question
    Is a fish bowl that is round okay for my betta?
    Community Answer
    Depends on how big the bowl is. If it is at least 3 gallons, then sure. Anything smaller would build up harmful toxins that could make your fish sick. The shape of the bowl doesn't matter.
  • Question
    How can I figure out where the 0.5 gallon mark is in my water-changing bucket?
    Community Answer
    Find a liquid measuring device, measuring cup etc. and fill your water changing bucket until you reach 0.5 gallon and then mark with tape, a permanent marker, etc. Remember that 0.5 gallon = 64 ounces OR 8 cups.
  • Question
    Can I keep 1 male Betta in a 1 gallon tank?
    Community Answer
    It is recommended to use a tank that is 5 galllons or bigger for bettas.
  • Question
    Is a 10 gallon tank too big for one betta? If not, how often do I need to change the water in the 10 gallon? Also, can I change the water in the tank too much?
    Community Answer
    No, there is no such thing as a tank that is "too big" for a fish. You should do 20 to 30 percent water changes every week -- this is important. But, don't change more than 40 percent of the water in one change, as you could crash the tank.
  • Question
    Can I use sink water for the tank?
    Community Answer
    It needs to be treated and at the right temperature before you add it to your fish tank.
  • Question
    How do I remove the betta fish gently when changing water?
    Shadow_wolf_52
    Community Answer
    You can use a net or scoop him into a cup. Just move slowly and carefully, and try not to touch him.
  • Question
    Can I use purified water or bottled water?
    Isabelle Martsen
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as it is fresh and there is nothing that can harm your Betta in it. You should also add water conditioner to ensure that it is safe for your fish.
  • Question
    Can I use spring water to replace my betta fish water?
    Community Answer
    No. Spring water contains minerals that can harm your fish. Use treated water that's been conditioned with conditioner, or leave tap water in an open bucket for 24 hours to get rid of any harmful substances in the water.
  • Question
    Will betta fish breeding be affected if the bowl's water is changed every two days?
    Community Answer
    If you change the water every two days, the bubble nest may break, and you could cause a lot of stress for your bettas.
  • Question
    When should I do a full water change in the tank and when should I only do a 50% change?
    Community Answer
    You should do full water changes monthly and 50% changes about every 2-3 weeks unless your water gets dirty sooner.
  • Question
    I'm really scared of hurting my betta. Do I need a special net or anything?
    Community Answer
    He will be okay. The other name for bettas is "Siamese fighting fish." They are very tough. Any net should work.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article