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How to do water changes for Bettas
Posted: Sat May 24, 2025 6:56 pm
by cascadia
I've been doing weekly water changes for my betta, but he seems stressed afterward. How often do you guys change the water, and what's your method to keep them calm?
Re: How to do water changes for Bettas
Posted: Sat May 24, 2025 8:06 pm
by rancher
I change 25% of the water every week in my 5-gallon tank. Use a siphon to avoid disturbing the substrate, and always match the new water's temp and pH to the tank. Stress coat helps too.
Re: How to do water changes for Bettas
Posted: Sat May 24, 2025 8:45 pm
by silktwist
rancher wrote: ↑Sat May 24, 2025 8:06 pm
I change 25% of the water every week in my 5-gallon tank. Use a siphon to avoid disturbing the substrate, and always match the new water's temp and pH to the tank. Stress coat helps too.
Yep, this is the way. I also drip acclimate the new water over 30 mins to avoid shock. My boy flares less now.
Re: How to do water changes for Bettas
Posted: Sat May 24, 2025 9:21 pm
by evoix
I do 20% changes twice a week in my 10-gallon. My betta's super active afterward, but I've got a sponge filter so the flow's gentle. Maybe your filter's too strong?
Re: How to do water changes for Bettas
Posted: Sat May 24, 2025 11:15 pm
by fisherly
Try adding Indian almond leaves to the tank. They release tannins that calm bettas. I do 30% changes biweekly in my 3-gallon, and my fish barely notices.
Re: How to do water changes for Bettas
Posted: Sun May 25, 2025 12:35 am
by VitalMind22
Ngl, I used to slack on water changes, and my dude got fin rot. Now I'm strict with 25% weekly, and his fins are growing back. Lesson learned, lol.
Re: How to do water changes for Bettas
Posted: Sun May 25, 2025 1:07 am
by spance
VitalMind22 wrote: ↑Sun May 25, 2025 12:35 am
Ngl, I used to slack on water changes, and my dude got fin rot. Now I'm strict with 25% weekly, and his fins are growing back. Lesson learned, lol.
Same here. Skipped a week once, and my girl got lethargic. Now I test ammonia weekly too, just in case.
Re: How to do water changes for Bettas
Posted: Sun May 25, 2025 3:02 am
by knighter
Yo, how do y'all deal with tap water? Mine's got chlorine, and even with conditioner, my betta acts weird after changes.
Re: How to do water changes for Bettas
Posted: Sun May 25, 2025 4:05 am
by MorningBreeze
knighter wrote: ↑Sun May 25, 2025 3:02 am
Yo, how do y'all deal with tap water? Mine's got chlorine, and even with conditioner, my betta acts weird after changes.
Let the water sit for 24 hrs before adding it. Or use RO water if your tap's sketchy.
Re: How to do water changes for Bettas
Posted: Sun May 25, 2025 4:28 am
by Korvix
I use Seachem Prime for my tap water. Works like a charm, and my betta's chill after changes. Also, keep the lights off for an hour post-change.