Who Gives A Fish Forums

Totally agree with jubilant. Also, make sure the water you're adding back is the same temp as the tank. Sudden temp changes can stress them more than the cleaning itself. I use a digital thermometer to double-check.

I'm concerned about the setup of your tank, and I think it's crucial we address that first. Three bettas in a 5.5-gallon tank is extremely overstocked. A minimum of 2.5 gallons is recommended for a betta, but ideally, it should be at least 5 gallons, especially if you have plakat bettas.

If your ...

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll try trimming fewer leaves at a time and see how they respond.

I've been struggling with trimming my Anubias and Java Fern without causing them to melt or stop growing. What's the best way to cut them back without stressing the plants too much? I'm using a 20-gallon tank with moderate lighting and CO2 injection.