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How to clean a Betta tank
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 9:11 am
by Lynxguy
My betta tank's getting kinda sketchy, algae on the glass and substrate's dirty. What's the best way to clean it without messing with my fish too much? Got a 5-gallon with a sponge filter, no tankmates.
Re: How to clean a Betta tank
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 10:21 am
by dawnas
I'd start with a partial water change, maybe 25-30%. Use a gravel vacuum to clean the substrate without disturbing your betta too much. For the algae, a soft sponge or algae scraper works, just avoid chemicals. How often are you doing water changes now?
Re: How to clean a Betta tank
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 10:51 am
by zenox_5
dawnas wrote: ↑Tue Jun 03, 2025 10:21 am
I'd start with a partial water change, maybe 25-30%. Use a gravel vacuum to clean the substrate without disturbing your betta too much. For the algae, a soft sponge or algae scraper works, just avoid chemicals. How often are you doing water changes now?
Yep, agree with dawnas. Also, keep the lights on for less time if algae's a problem. Mine's on for 6 hours max.
Re: How to clean a Betta tank
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 11:25 am
by fluffnut
If you're using tap water, don't forget to condition it before adding. I made that mistake once and my betta got super stressed. Now I always keep Seachem Prime handy.
Re: How to clean a Betta tank
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 12:12 pm
by fluke
yo, just siphon the gunk out, no biggie. bettas are chill with it if you don't go ham. also, cut the light if algae's wildin'.
Re: How to clean a Betta tank
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 1:11 pm
by Lynxguy
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try the gravel vac and reduce the light time. I've been doing weekly changes but might bump it to twice a week if the algae keeps up.
Re: How to clean a Betta tank
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 1:27 pm
by dawnas
Twice a week sounds good if the tank's small. Just monitor your betta's behavior—if they're hiding more or flaring at the vacuum, slow down. Also, check your filter media; sometimes it needs a rinse in tank water to keep flow steady.
Re: How to clean a Betta tank
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 2:08 pm
by zenox_5
Yeah, and don't replace all the filter media at once. That's where most of your good bacteria live. Just swish it in old tank water during changes.
Re: How to clean a Betta tank
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 4:05 pm
by fluffnut
zenox_5 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 03, 2025 2:08 pm
Yeah, and don't replace all the filter media at once. That's where most of your good bacteria live. Just swish it in old tank water during changes.
Exactly! I learned that the hard way. Had a mini cycle crash once because I replaced everything. Never again.
Re: How to clean a Betta tank
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 5:36 pm
by fluke
bacteria's key, fr. also, if your betta's actin' weird after cleanin', check the temp. sudden changes freak 'em out.