Who Gives A Fish Forums

Agree with all the plant suggestions. My betta loves resting on the roots of water lettuce, and nitrates stay low.

How often do you gravel vac? Detritus buildup can sneakily raise nitrates. I do a light vac every water change.

Mine's at 15 ppm with weekly changes. Not stressing it since the fish is active and colorful. Maybe some bettas just tolerate higher levels?

Try feeding frozen instead of flakes. Less filler, less waste. My nitrates dropped when I switched.

If you're not already, use a liquid test kit. Strips can be way off. I thought mine was 20 ppm, but it was actually 40.