Ammonia levels in Betta tanks

[brookhun]

My betta tank's ammonia levels keep spiking, even with regular water changes. I'm using a 5-gallon tank with a sponge filter, and I feed him twice a day. What am I missing?

[florapex]

How often are you doing water changes? In a 5-gallon, you might need to do them more frequently, like 20% every 3 days. Also, check if you're overfeeding, that's a common cause.

[miguel]

My betta tank's ammonia levels keep spiking, even with regular water changes. I'm using a 5-gallon tank with a sponge filter, and I feed him twice a day. What am I missing?

Have you tested your tap water? Sometimes the source has ammonia. Also, make sure your filter media isn't too clean, you need some beneficial bacteria to break it down.

[brooklane]

I had the same issue until I switched to a better water conditioner. Some don't neutralize ammonia well. What brand are you using?

[bronzo]

If you're using a sponge filter, it might not be cycled fully. How long has the tank been running? You might need to add some bottled bacteria to speed things up.

[brookhun]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll test my tap water and check the conditioner. Tank's been running for about a month, so maybe it's still cycling.

[ember]

A month should be enough time, but if you're seeing ammonia, it's not quite there. Try cutting back on feeding to once a day and see if that helps.

[bigrig22]

How often are you doing water changes? In a 5-gallon, you might need to do them more frequently, like 20% every 3 days. Also, check if you're overfeeding, that's a common cause.

Yep, overfeeding's a big one. Uneaten food rots fast in small tanks.

[finnx]

My tank was sketchy too until I added some live plants. They help suck up ammonia like crazy. Maybe try some anubias or java fern?

[cannon]

Live plants are a great idea. Also, make sure you're not cleaning the filter with tap water. Chlorine kills the good bacteria. Rinse it in tank water instead.