Water Testing

[Draven]

Since I don't have his new tank yet, I thought it would be good to check the enviornment he's in right now. His water is sitting at 76 degrees (no heater) and the pH seems to be about 7.5. Is that okay for him? I fail to recall what is proper pH balance for Bettas. My little test kit I got only seems to meassure from 7.4-8.6.

 

[jacblades]

ph isnt a big deal with bettas. they can adjust to just about any reasonable ph.

 

[Draven]

Is it more of a concearn if you dump them from 7.4 water into 8.6 water with out slowly working them into it?

 

[jacblades]

it can be done, but i wouldnt. you should always pour the new water in to their cup/bag gradually over a period time.

 

[Draven]

As I feared, the ammonia/nitrite is very high. I won't be able to get him into his new home quickly (it would be dangerous to do anyways) so what can I do in the mean time while he is in his temporary .5 gal bowl?

I don't know if I should just change his water daily or what?

 

[jacblades]

if the ammonia/nitrites are high-of course you should change the water. if he is in a 1/4 gal or less-yes i would say change the water once a day.

 

[Draven]

Full or partial in a .5 gall?

 

[jacblades]

if the ammonia/nitrites are really high-full.

 

[Draven]

I need to switch him over to some water that's been properly treated (salt, dechlorinized, etc). How should I do this, and maintain daily water changes to combat the high ammonia/nitrite?