One of the most important things to know when caring for a Betta fish is the correct way to change the aquarium or bowl water. A dirty tub is unhealthy and can harm your little friend, but an incorrect water change technique can also be harmful. There are two ways to proceed: a partial and a complete water change; usually, it is better to proceed with the partial one, since the total one can cause a shock to the animal.
Choose the Method
- Partial change: do it at least once a week; Small aquariums or those that do not have a filter need more frequent cleaning.
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Complete change: it is only necessary when the aquarium is very dirty or when ammonia levels are high even after several partial daily changes.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Partial Change
Change Your Betta Fish Water Step 1 Step 1. Prepare the new water
Fill a large clean container with fresh water; leave the fish in its aquarium for now. Use a water treatment product (which you can find at pet stores) to get rid of chlorine and other harmful substances.
Follow all the instructions on the dechlorinant package and use the exact dose required for the size of your tub or bowl
Change Your Betta Fish Water Step 2 Step 2. Let the water heat up
If you immediately put the fish in new water, the temperature difference could damage it. Wait about an hour for the new, treated water to reach room temperature, so that it is safe and comfortable for the little Betta.
Alternatively, you can mix hot and cold tap water until the mixture reaches the same temperature as it is. If you follow this method, use a specific aquarium thermometer to make sure the water in both containers is the same temperature and add the dechlorinant product to the one with the new water, following the instructions for use
Change Your Betta Fish Water Step 3 Step 3. Remove some water from the aquarium the fish is currently in
To make a partial exchange, you need to withdraw some and replace it with the new one you have dealt with. Use a ladle or some other similar tool and remove 25-50% of the water from the tub; the fish must always remain in the same container.
- If you want to be particularly precise, you can measure the water you take. For example, if you have an 80 liter aquarium, remove 40 liters using a pitcher or some other measuring cup.
- You can also use a siphon to transfer the water from the aquarium to the bucket or sink; when the water begins to flow, move the hose so that it can "suck" the gravel at the bottom of the tank, thus eliminating faeces, food scraps and other dirt.
Change Your Betta Fish Water Step 4 Step 4. Fill the aquarium with fresh water
Slowly pour it from the container you prepared into the tank where the fish is, until it restores the previous level. If the bowl is too heavy to lift to fill the water, use a clean ladle (or similar) or siphon. It's okay to leave the pet in its original container while adding new water, but be sure to proceed slowly so as not to disturb it.
Change Your Betta Fish Water Step 5 Step 5. Repeat the water change often
Most experts recommend getting it done at least once a week; however, if for some reason the water in the tub starts to get particularly dirty, you need to proceed more frequently.
Method 2 of 2: Full Change
Change Your Betta Fish Water Step 6 Step 1. Prepare the new water
Fill a large, clean container with fresh water; leave the Betta fish in its tank for the time being. Use a water treatment product (available at pet stores) to remove chlorine and other harmful substances.
Follow the directions on the package and use the exact dose for the capacity of your aquarium or bowl
Change Your Betta Fish Water Step 7 Step 2. Let the water warm up a little
Immediately putting the fish in new water that has a different temperature can be harmful to their health. Wait about an hour for the new, treated water to reach room temperature, so it is safe and comfortable for your little friend.
Alternatively, mix hot and cold tap water until it reaches the same temperature as in the original aquarium. If you opt for this method, use an aquarium thermometer to make sure that the water in both containers is the same temperature and add the dechlorinant product in the new one according to the instructions for use
Change Your Betta Fish Water Step 8 Step 3. Transfer the fish from its tank
Use a net and remove it from the current container to place it in the one filled with the new water. Proceed with great caution in this phase, as the fins are particularly delicate and can be easily damaged.
Change Your Betta Fish Water Step 9 Step 4. Clean the aquarium
Throw away the old water and carefully clean the aquarium using only water and a soft, clean cloth or sponge; do not use soaps or other chemicals as they could harm the fish. Be sure to sift through the gravel to remove dirt, food scraps, and other debris.
Change Your Betta Fish Water Step 10 Step 5. Begin refilling the vat
Take some fresh water from the container the animal is now in and transfer it to its original aquarium; pour in enough for the Betta to be able to move comfortably.
Change Your Betta Fish Water Step 11 Step 6. Transfer your little friend to the aquarium
Use a net and move the Betta fish from the temporary container to its original tank, now partially filled with the new water; as described above, be very gentle when moving the creature.
Change Your Betta Fish Water Step 12 Step 7. Pour the remaining water
Take the remaining one and add it very slowly to the original container. If the container is too heavy to lift to transfer the water, use a clean ladle (or similar tool) or a siphon; the important thing is to proceed very slowly so as not to disturb the fish.
Change Your Betta Fish Water Step 13 Step 8. Repeat the complete water change as needed
In most cases the partial change is more than sufficient; however, if the tub becomes very dirty, you must proceed with the complete change.
