The Betta Myth #2

[JohnnyReb]

We had so much fun on Myth #1, lets do another. I have found that water changes , especially jarred males, in a 32 ounce cup can be done at 7 to 10 day intervals of 100% of the water, rather than the recommended 25-50% of the water every 3-4 days. This is going to spark some interest and comments, I am sure.

 

[Magnum Man]

I saw a video on a commercial Discus farm/ seller, and they did near 100% water changes weekly, with a near automated system.... draining the water down low enough the fish were literally laying on their sides, before refilling the tanks... this was done with whole rows of larger (40-50) gallon tanks

 

[MaloK]

At a low water volume like that, I consider the fish like living in it's own toilet.

I would test for ammonia after 3-4 days and probably end up settling to change minimum 50% per day. Whatever work it is.

Unfiltered containers deteriorate rapidly, even if it looks clear.

 

[MaloK]

I saw a video on a commercial Discus farm/ seller, and they did near 100% water changes weekly, with a near automated system.... draining the water down low enough the fish were literally laying on their sides, before refilling the tanks... this was done with whole rows of larger (40-50) gallon tanks

Yes, but there's filtration on these, not in a jar.

 

[JohnnyReb]

I saw a video on a commercial Discus farm/ seller, and they did near 100% water changes weekly, with a near automated system.... draining the water down low enough the fish were literally laying on their sides, before refilling the tanks... this was done with whole rows of larger (40-50) gallon tanks

TY for your real world view and not a regurgitation of old info/folklore.

 

[JohnnyReb]

At a low water volume like that, I consider the fish like living in it's own toilet.

I would test for ammonia after 3-4 days and probably end up settling to change minimum 50% per day. Whatever work it is.

Unfiltered containers deteriorate rapidly, even if it looks clear.

TY for your take on it, that is what a forum is for. We share experiences and do not take dogma as 100% true.

 

[MaloK]

I remember seeing one of these system do water changes like that.

And what strikes me the most is to see all the fish loosing their colors at the same time the water drops too low.

When I was young working in a LFS the "Master" was performing 50% water changes and the fishes never shown sign of stress.

It's probably to show off, because It doesn't seem brilliant to stress your fishes until the turn grey. I'm pretty sure (hope) they don't do that on regular basis.

 

[JohnnyReb]

I remember seeing one of these system do water changes like that.

And what strikes me the most is to see all the fish loosing their colors at the same time the water drops too low.

When I was young working in a LFS the "Master" was performing 50% water changes and the fishes never shown sign of stress.

It's probably to show off, because It doesn't seem brilliant to stress your fishes until the turn grey. I'm pretty sure (hope) they don't do that on regular basis.

I have seen no loss of color, mortality or change in any way from 7 to 10 day water changes.

 

[MaloK]

I have seen no loss of color, mortality or change in any way from 7 to 10 day water changes.

Oh, no I was just mentioning that bringing the water level too low during water changes is stressful for nothing.

I noticed in peculiar Discus loosing colors when the water level come too low. But it comes back to normal as fast.

 

[JohnnyReb]

Oh, no I was just mentioning that bringing the water level too low during water changes is stressful for nothing.

I noticed in peculiar Discus loosing colors when the water level come too low. But it comes back to normal as fast.

I agree 100%, but that may or may not be stress. It maybe a natural instinct when in low water to conceal itself? I am afraid we may have labeled a natural instinct as stress?

 

[MaloK]

I agree 100%, but that may or may not be stress. It maybe a natural instinct when in low water to conceal itself? I am afraid we may have label natural instinct as stress?

That makes a lot of sense.

 

[MaloK]

Returning to Bettas in jars.

Each jar would also have a clump of Java Moss, Christmas Moss, Flame Moss, Taiwan Moss, Any moss. the one that goes well for you.

To help make the poor guy feel at home and help a little with water quality.

 

[MuddyWaters]

The only time I've had to be careful with the amount of water changed was with my cherry shrimp- and a lot of that was because, at the time, I was not adjusting the GH until after - I started adjusting GH prior to putting the fresh water in and all was good.

All my other fish either love soft water or tolerate it (which is what i have), so I do heavy, regular water changes. 100% would be fine, imho, but too much of a PITA to do LOL....and not really necessary for the situations I have. I would think a betta in a jar would benefit greatly from 100% change periodically.

I am surprised at the length of time in between changes, though, I have no experience with bettas like that.

 

[CassCats]

Water change yes, you can't go wrong with fresh water.


Bettas in jars, no. Especially when naturally they live in much larger spaces, a jar is inhumane and doesn't allow enough room for them to swim enough, and jars don't regulate temperature the best.

 

[emeraldking]

I would test for ammonia after 3-4 days and probably end up settling to change minimum 50% per day.

Even with such a small living space, labyrinth fish would not be harmed. Labyrinth fish don't come from clean waters, tbh. The labyrinth will take care of it that they can live in dirted water and even in poor oxygen containing water for quite a while. They have this labyrinth for a purpose. Doesn't mean that you shouldn't do a water change, of course. But nature took care of it.