Betta fish and water change methods

[Roadman]

Been keeping bettas for a few years now, but I'm still not sure about the best way to do water changes. I've got a 5-gallon tank with a sponge filter, and I usually do 25% changes weekly. My fish seems chill, but I've heard some folks do smaller changes more often. What's your method?

[discusfan2]

Honestly, I think you're overcomplicating it. Bettas aren't as fussy as some people make 'em out to be. I do 50% changes every two weeks in my 10-gallon, and my dude's thriving. But hey, if your fish is happy, why mess with it?

[pureride]

Nah, mate, you gotta be careful with big changes. I've got a 7-gallon with a betta and some shrimp, and I do 10% changes twice a week. Keeps the water stable, and my fish is way more active now. Plus, the shrimp dig it.

[olivena]

I've found that consistency is key. I do 20% changes every Sunday in my 5-gallon, using a gravel vacuum to clean the substrate. My betta's been healthy for over a year now, no fin rot or stress signs.

[dawnfox]

I'm new to this, but I've been doing 30% changes weekly in my 3-gallon. My fish seems okay, but I'm not sure if I should adjust. What do you think?

[Roadman]

Honestly, I think you're overcomplicating it. Bettas aren't as fussy as some people make 'em out to be. I do 50% changes every two weeks in my 10-gallon, and my dude's thriving. But hey, if your fish is happy, why mess with it?

Yeah, that's fair. I guess I'm just paranoid about messing up the water params. Thanks for the input.

[discusfan2]

Nah, mate, you gotta be careful with big changes. I've got a 7-gallon with a betta and some shrimp, and I do 10% changes twice a week. Keeps the water stable, and my fish is way more active now. Plus, the shrimp dig it.

Shrimp are a whole other ballgame, though. Bettas alone can handle more fluctuation. But hey, if it works for you, rock on.

[pureride]

True, shrimp are more sensitive. But my betta's colors have popped since I switched to smaller, more frequent changes. Maybe it's just coincidence, but I'm sticking with it.

[olivena]

I'm new to this, but I've been doing 30% changes weekly in my 3-gallon. My fish seems okay, but I'm not sure if I should adjust. What do you think?

For a 3-gallon, I'd recommend smaller, more frequent changes. The smaller volume means params can swing faster. Maybe try 15% twice a week and see how your fish reacts.

[dawnfox]

Thanks, olivena. I'll give that a try and keep an eye on him.