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Ammonia levels in Betta tanks
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2025 7:19 am
by 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?
Re: Ammonia levels in Betta tanks
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2025 9:19 am
by 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.
Re: Ammonia levels in Betta tanks
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2025 9:39 am
by miguel
brookhun wrote: ↑Thu Jun 05, 2025 7:19 am
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.
Re: Ammonia levels in Betta tanks
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2025 10:06 am
by 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?
Re: Ammonia levels in Betta tanks
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2025 11:46 am
by 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.
Re: Ammonia levels in Betta tanks
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2025 11:57 am
by 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.
Re: Ammonia levels in Betta tanks
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2025 1:41 pm
by 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.
Re: Ammonia levels in Betta tanks
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2025 2:07 pm
by bigrig22
florapex wrote: ↑Thu Jun 05, 2025 9:19 am
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.
Re: Ammonia levels in Betta tanks
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2025 3:10 pm
by 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?
Re: Ammonia levels in Betta tanks
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2025 4:41 pm
by 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.