Betta fish and health monitoring tools

[florapex]

What tools do you guys use to keep track of your betta's health? I've got a 5 gallon tank with a sponge filter, heater set to 78, and do weekly water changes, but I wanna make sure I'm not missing anything.

[Fortezza]

I keep a simple logbook for water params, like temp, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Test strips are quick but not always accurate, so I double-check with a liquid test kit every couple weeks. Also, observing behavior daily helps catch issues early.

[waves_4]

I keep a simple logbook for water params, like temp, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Test strips are quick but not always accurate, so I double-check with a liquid test kit every couple weeks. Also, observing behavior daily helps catch issues early.

Yep, behavior's huge. If my guy's not flaring at his reflection or begging for food, I know something's off. I also snap pics weekly to compare his color and fin condition.

[garden]

I'm kinda lazy with logs, but I use an app to track water changes and feedings. It's got reminders, which helps. My tank's planted, so I keep an eye on how the plants are doing too, since they're a good indicator of water quality.

[DeltaByte]

Got a digital thermometer with an alarm if the temp swings too much. Also, a cheap microscope's been clutch for checking poop and slime coat samples when things seem sketchy. Sounds extra, but it's saved me a couple times.

[flourish]

How often do you all test for things like pH and hardness? I've got a 10 gallon with driftwood, and the pH tends to drop over time.

[florapex]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna start a log and maybe look into that microscope idea. Appreciate it!

[Fortezza]

How often do you all test for things like pH and hardness? I've got a 10 gallon with driftwood, and the pH tends to drop over time.

I check pH weekly if I've got driftwood or other tannin sources. Hardness monthly, unless I'm seeing issues. Buffering substrate can help stabilize pH if it's swinging too much.

[waves_4]

Yeah, driftwood's a pain for pH. I switched to almond leaves instead, way less dramatic. Plus, my guy loves hiding under them.