Water Changes

[Mariah]

Hi,
How often should water changes be done in a betta tank? And what if theres a bubble nest - Is it ok to do a water change?
Thanks

 

[FishEnthusiast]

How big is the tank? Is it filtered and is it cycled? I change my smaller tanks (ranging from 3/4G to 5G) every 2-3 days 100%. I have a 10G that is filtered and cycled. It gets a 25% water change every week.

 

[Kiarra]

And he won't care if you destroy his bubblenest. He'll just build another one.

 

[Mariah]

Its a 1/2 gallon and it does nor have a filter or a heater. So I should change it how many times a week?

Also at what temp is safe for bettas in this situation?

Thanks

 

[MegTheFish]

I would say change 100% of the water every other day. He'd love it if you upgraded his tank to atleast a 1 gallon though!
They like it at about 78 degrees, but since you can't have a heater in your tank, make sure it doesn't go below 70 degrees. All my un-heated tanks are about 72 degrees and I've never had a problem. Keeping it stable is very important too...if the temperature fluctuates too much, then I would suggest getting a larger tank so you can have a heater OR move his tank to a room that has a more stable temperature.

 

[mm_simb]

Temp ideal for bettas would be from 76-80 degrees.
In that small amount of water the water should be changed practically every day or every other day. Are you thinking of upgrading to a bigger size tank? Like maybe something as a 1 gallon or bigger?

 

[FishEnthusiast]

1/2G really isn't a good size for a permanent home. I would really think about getting a 1G at least. I would change your water at least 2 times a week. As long as the temp is stable, and doesn't fluctuate a lot, 72 is the lowest I would think. I have heard of lower.

Where in Canada are you? If you are where it gets really cold in the winter, you might want to think about getting a small heater. You could get a 2.5G minibow and use a 25W heater. I am on the west coast, so my temps stay quite stable. My house stays at 72 at room temp all the time. I am sure it will get much warmer once the rain stops

As for a 1G, I saw a bowl at Walmart for 4.99. I have seen 2.5G minbows divided for 29.99. They come with a filter and light and heater too if I am not mistaken.

 

[Mariah]

Ok Im ok My guys tanks are at about 76 F. I do have a light on all of there homes so would that help keep the temp stable?

I am in Ontario so it does get cold here in the winter time. I may consider upgrading to a 1 gal later on but right now they all seem happy considering the tiny cups I got them in.

Oh, and for the water change do I take him out fully and put him in a cup than empty the whole tank or can I just empty some with a cup and add new water? I just want to make sure Im doing this right

Thanks

 

[FishEnthusiast]

I take my boys out. I have a jug I put them in with old tank water. Then I dump the tank out and refill it with dechlorinated water. I have 3 3G buckets that I fill up every change and dechlorinate. I then let it sit until I am ready for another water change. Because my tanks are at room temp, this works out well. The water in the buckets are at the same temp as their old water. That is really important. The new water HAS to be the same temperature as the old water. If it isn't you will have to reacclimate your boys before you put them back in their tanks.

As long as it doesn't get too cold in your house it should be ok. If it does get cold you might want small heaters.

HTH

 

[Mariah]

Sounds good! Thank you so much