Nitrite and nitrate levels for Betta health

[seaquake]

My betta's tank has been sketchy lately, nitrites at 0.5 ppm and nitrates around 20 ppm. Gonna do a water change but wanna know if that's chill or if I should mess with something else. Tank's 5 gallons, sponge filter, heated to 78F, no tankmates. Fed twice daily, pellets and occasional bloodworms.

[hookit]

My betta's tank has been sketchy lately, nitrites at 0.5 ppm and nitrates around 20 ppm. Gonna do a water change but wanna know if that's chill or if I should mess with something else. Tank's 5 gallons, sponge filter, heated to 78F, no tankmates. Fed twice daily, pellets and occasional bloodworms.

Yep, nitrites above 0 are bad news. Water change ASAP, like 50%. Test again after. Nitrates at 20 ppm are fine, but keep 'em under 40. Your setup sounds good otherwise, just watch the cycle. Maybe add some prime to detoxify the nitrites.

[RuggedJax]

Agree with hookit. Nitrites are toxic even at low levels. Your tank might be cycling or the cycle crashed. Monitor daily, water changes as needed. Also, check your tap water for nitrates—some sources have 'em high. If so, consider a nitrate remover or plants to help.

[mizonix]

My fish had the same issue last month. Did a bunch of water changes and added some floating plants. They're doing great now. Maybe try that? Also, how often do you clean the sponge filter? Could be gunked up.

[seaquake]

Thanks, everyone. Gonna do the big water change and grab some prime. Didn't think about the tap water, gonna test that too. Plants sound like a good move.

[hookit]

My fish had the same issue last month. Did a bunch of water changes and added some floating plants. They're doing great now. Maybe try that? Also, how often do you clean the sponge filter? Could be gunked up.

Plants are a solid call. Frogbit or salvinia work great. And yeah, sponge filters need a rinse in tank water every few weeks. Don't use tap, it'll kill the good bacteria.

[RuggedJax]

If you're adding plants, keep an eye on lighting. Bettas don't need much, but plants do. 6–8 hours max, or you'll get algae. Also, floating plants can block light too much, so trim 'em if they take over.

[mizonix]

Yeah, my frogbit went wild at first. Had to toss some every week. But my betta loves hiding in the roots, so it's worth it. Just don't let it cover the whole surface.