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Bettas are extremely lovable and actually quite intelligent pets that are very easy to care for. However, they eat and excrete just like any living creature. That's why cleaning out their tank is very important. While a betta won't require walking or regular trips to the veterinarian, it does require that you keep its tank and water clean for it to stay happy and healthy.
Steps
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Wash your hands! Take the time to make sure you don't have dirty hands. You want to make sure that you don't accidentally introduce germs or dirt into the tank while you clean it.- If you use soap, make sure to rinse it off thoroughly. Soap residue can kill fish.
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Unplug any heaters, filters, lights, and other equipment before you start. It is important to keep all electrical appliances unplugged and away from the tank while you are cleaning it. While these appliances should be made for use in a fish tank, you do not want them to accidentally fall into the tank or be otherwise submerged in water.Advertisement -
Gather the tools and materials you will need. To clean the tank you will first need to set up a safe and clean place to stash your fish. Find a clean cup or bowl that you can put the fish in. Take some of the water from the Betta's existing tank and place it into the glass or bowl; You will need just enough water so that the fish will have a little room to swim around. In addition, you will need the tools to clean and refresh the tank's water.- You will also need: a sink, a plastic cup or net to scoop the fish and water, paper towels and a scrubber to clean the inside of the tank, water conditioner (which is available at most pet or aquarium stores), a sieve to use when cleaning tank gravel, and a plastic spoon.
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Scoop water out of the tank. Using a small cup, scoop out 50% to 80% of the water in the tank. Set it aside so that it can be used later on in the tank. This has to be done because you cannot change the water entirely, as it might put the betta into shock. Instead, you will put the water you set aside back into the tank, after it is cleaned.- If you are a new owner, you can start by 50% water changes and gradually increase it till you reach 80%.
- Most of the filth in a betta's tank is in the gravel at the bottom. If you take the water off the top, then you will still be getting rid of most of the dirt and grime when you clean the gravel.
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Remove the fish from the tank. Once you have removed some of the water from the tank, scoop your fish with the same cup. Take your time and be careful of the fish's fins. If you go really slow, you may be able to get the fish to settle into the cup while it is underwater, and then you can simply lift it straight up.- Place the fish into the glass or bowl that you have already filled with tank water.
- Keep in mind that while doing this you need to make sure the fish doesn't jump out. Bettas are known jumpers, so put a lid on whatever container you are keeping the fish in.
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Empty the tank. Drain the remaining water out of the tank through a sieve into the sink. This will prevent any gravel from falling down the drain.- Remove any decor that is in the tank as well. You can simply set it on top of the gravel in the sieve.
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Run the gravel under warm water. Fold the gravel with your hand and shake it side to side to get the dirt, poo, and left over food out. Use your hands to do it really thoroughly. [1] X Research source -
Rinse the tank and decor with warm water. Use a soft scrubber to scrub the glass. Dry the decor well with a paper towel and put it to the side.- Never use soap on anything in a fish tank, including the tank itself. [2] X Research source The residue is likely to remain and hurt your betta.
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Refill the tank. Place the gravel and plants back into the tank before you refill it. Then pour new water into the tank and condition it. Follow the directions on the package of conditioner to determine how much conditioner to put in your fish's tank.- Use a plastic spoon to stir the water, making sure that the conditioner is mixed into the new water thoroughly.
- Remember to reserve enough room for the original water that you took out of the tank. Pour the old water you reserved back into the tank once the new water has been conditioned. Stir it all together well.
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Wait 24 to 48 hours for the water to settle and come to room temperature. The tank water must be the same temperature as the water was before, and should be between 72 to 80 °F (22 to 27 °C). Your fish WILL die from stress if you change the temperature too quickly.- Water coming to room temperature could take a while. Check the water after 24 hours using a thermometer to make sure the water temperature matches the ambient temperature in the room. If it is not room temperature, wait a few more hours and then check it again.
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Reintroduce the betta to its tank. Slowly put the cup (where you kept your betta) into the tank and tilt the cup a bit. Your betta will slowly come out of the cup by itself. Be gentle while you're doing this, as you might hurt it's fins.- Keep an eye on the betta. Once you let it go, it'll soon start exploring the tank. Set your tank back to where it was and enjoy as it swims around observing everything!
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow often should I do partial water changes?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.I would recommend doing partial water changes about once every week. If you have an unfiltered tank, you should change 30-50% of the water. Or, if you have a filtered tank, you can change 20-25% of the water.
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QuestionWill my fish die if I don't clean his tank?Community AnswerYes. The dirty tank will make germs that you don't want in your tank, so you might end up with a sick fish.
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QuestionDo I have to put water conditioner in the tank?Community AnswerYes, if you are using tap water, then conditioning the water is necessary. The chemicals in tap water will kill your betta fish if you don't use a conditioner.
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Tips
- Be sure to play and interact with your Betta daily as much as possible. Put it in a spot that will be visible, so that they will get to know you, and you will get to know them.Thanks
- If you do have a tank, you can change it every weekend. Bettas need a big tank. Don't get them a bowl or vase as they don't like small spaces. The bigger the better.Thanks
- There shouldn't be any hard plastic plants in the tank, as they might hurt or tear the fish's fins. If you do get plastic pants, try the 'pantyhose test'. Rub them against a pair of pantyhose and see if they snag or tear it. If they do, they can tear your betta's beautiful fins and tail. It is best to use Silk plants or live plants, as live plants provide a place for the bettas to lounge on. Plus, live plants can also oxygenate the water.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- You don't actually need to remove your betta from their home when changing the water or cleaning the tank. In fact, you probably shouldn't if you can help it! When you change the water, just remove about 25-50% a week, and leave the fish in the tank. Use water conditioner for all new water.
- Make sure and get a good heater. The ideal temperature for a Betta is 78-80 degrees F (25.5-26.6 degrees C). Usually, you won't be able to attain this temperature by just using room temperature. Investing in a decent heater will make your Betta much happier.
- If you don't have a heater yet, you can use a plastic bottle filled with hot water and place it into the tank, for the time being. When the temperature drops, refill the bottle with more hot water.
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Warnings
- Always be careful while handling your betta. If you are not gentle, it could get hurt.Thanks
- Never leave your betta alone when on a trip (for more than 3 days). Ask a friend to come over and feed it and change its water.Thanks
- Change out 100% of the water if there is a problem or if you are temporarily keeping your betta in something less than 2.5 gallons.Thanks
- Don't put your betta by any sunny windows or vents or dusty areas. Sunshine can promote algae growth and dusty or breezy areas can increase the dirt in the tank. [3] X Research sourceThanks
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Things You'll Need
- Sink
- A plastic cup
- Paper towels
- Water conditioner
- Sieve
- Plastic spoon
References
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To clean a betta tank, scoop most of the water out of the tank and pour it into a bowl, then scoop out the fish and place it into the bowl as well. Drain all of the remaining water out of the tank. Rinse the gravel, tank, and decor under warm water, then place the gravel and plants back in the tank. Pour a little fresh water into the tank, condition it, and fill the rest of the tank with the original water you reserved. Wait 24-48 hours for the water to settle and come to room temperature before you replace the fish. Keep reading to learn about the safety precautions you should follow when cleaning your betta tank.
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Reader Success Stories
- "This helped a lot because I would just scoop out some water, put the conditioner in, and say I was done. Now that I have read this (I am writing a month later, I just realized I can write these) I now put my bettas in a different container (usually the ones I got them in), and I rinse the gravel, scrub the tank, and fill it up with Ozarka water. I then put the conditioner in, then put my bettas back in. I am having an issue though: My bettas each have 1/5 of a gallon, and I don't know if that's okay." ..." more
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"This helped a lot because I would just scoop out some water, put the conditioner in, and say I was done. Now that I have read this (I am writing a month later, I just realized I can write these) I now put my bettas in a different container (usually the ones I got them in), and I rinse the gravel, scrub the tank, and fill it up with Ozarka water. I then put the conditioner in, then put my bettas back in. I am having an issue though: My bettas each have 1/5 of a gallon, and I don't know if that's okay."
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"I enjoy Midnight, our family's betta fish, and I want to keep our little friend in a good environment. He is a pet store fish, and we think he is awesome. The tips on water were helpful. I am especially interested in knowing how long these fish can live. "
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"The step by steps were the best. First-time Betta fish owner and I have to make sure he is alive when my daughter wakes up in the morning! Thank you for the easy directions! I'm sure I will use this page again next month so I don't screw anything up!"
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"It helps to know betas need more room. The pet stores minimize this. My betta is much happier since I put him in a larger tank. It was helpful to know about their intelligence. My betta comes to the glass when we come close to his tank."
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"This article helped me a lot! I got my first betta (male) about 8 months ago, using an old 10-gallon tank and some borrowed fish decor. Since then I've gotten 6 more, and they're all happy and healthy! Thank you!"
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