Betta fish and water quality testing

[tides]

How often do y'all test your water? I've got a 5 gallon with a single betta, and I'm paranoid about ammonia spikes. Been testing weekly, but it feels like overkill.

[bronzy]

Weekly's not overkill if your tank's new or you've had issues before. I test my 10 gallon every 3 days for the first month, then taper off. What's your filter situation? A sponge filter's been solid for me.

[riverway]

How often do y'all test your water? I've got a 5 gallon with a single betta, and I'm paranoid about ammonia spikes. Been testing weekly, but it feels like overkill.

Nah, weekly's chill. I've seen tanks crash from neglect. You using liquid tests or strips? Strips can be sketchy for ammonia.

[aquabreeder]

Liquid tests are the way to go. I've bred bettas for years, and strips miss low-level ammonia. Also, what's your water change routine? In a 5 gallon, 20% weekly changes plus testing should keep things stable.

[helix]

i just test when my fish acts weird. lazy but it works for me lol. got a 3 gallon with a heater, no problems yet.

[wingbeat]

Liquid tests are the way to go. I've bred bettas for years, and strips miss low-level ammonia. Also, what's your water change routine? In a 5 gallon, 20% weekly changes plus testing should keep things stable.

Second this. I've had false negatives with strips. API Master Kit's worth the cash. Also, tannins from driftwood help buffer pH naturally.

[folker]

man, my betta flares at the test tube. thinks it's food or a rival. gotta distract him with a mirror. anyone else's fish this dramatic?

[tides]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna stick with weekly tests and switch to liquid. My filter's a hang-on-back with a sponge pre-filter, so hopefully that's enough.

[onyxim]

yo, if your tank's cycled and you're not overfeeding, ammonia's prolly a non-issue. but better safe than sorry, right? my dude's in a 7 gallon with live plants, zero spikes so far.

[RhythmKing]

Plants are a game-changer. My betta's tank has java fern and anubias, and the water stays pristine. Test monthly now, but I used to be paranoid like you, tides.