Betta tank maintenance schedule

[kalynd]

What's your weekly tank maintenance routine for a 5 gallon with a single betta? I've been doing 25% water changes every Sunday, but my fish seems stressed after. Using a sponge filter, no tankmates, and keeping the temp at 78F.

[emerald]

25% weekly might be too much for a small tank. Try 10-15% twice a week instead. Smaller changes keep parameters stable. Also, check if your water conditioner has aloe vera, some bettas react badly to it. What's your substrate? Deep gravel can trap waste.

[Guard]

yo i just dump half the water every two weeks and my dude's chillin. but i got plants so maybe that cuts the gunk. u got live plants or nah?

[kalynd]

yo i just dump half the water every two weeks and my dude's chillin. but i got plants so maybe that cuts the gunk. u got live plants or nah?

No live plants yet, just silk decor. Maybe I'll try smaller changes like emerald said.

[Riverlynx]

Mine flares at the siphon every time, drama queen. I do 20% weekly but spread it over two days so it's less shocking. Also, match the new water temp to the tank, not just room temp. Learned that the hard way.

[zephyr8]

same as riverlynx, temp matching is key. i use a digital thermometer for new water, old school but works. also, u gravel vac? if not, start. waste builds up fast in small tanks.

[emerald]

same as riverlynx, temp matching is key. i use a digital thermometer for new water, old school but works. also, u gravel vac? if not, start. waste builds up fast in small tanks.

Second the gravel vac. Even with weekly changes, debris settles. For a 5 gallon, a turkey baster works for spot cleaning between vacuums.

[Guard]

tbh i never temp match just kinda wing it and my betta's cool. but y'all got me thinking maybe i'm just lucky. gonna grab a thermometer next time i'm out.

[Riverlynx]

tbh i never temp match just kinda wing it and my betta's cool. but y'all got me thinking maybe i'm just lucky. gonna grab a thermometer next time i'm out.

Lucky indeed. Mine sulks for hours if the water's even 2 degrees off. Bettas, man.