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Betta fish and water change schedules
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 10:10 pm
by tanger
How often do you guys change the water for your bettas? I've been doing weekly 25% changes, but my fish seems stressed after. Tank is 5 gallons, heated to 78F, with a sponge filter. Wondering if I'm overdoing it.
Re: Betta fish and water change schedules
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 11:39 pm
by windy
Weekly changes are pretty standard for a 5 gallon. What's your water source? If you're using tap, maybe the conditioner isn't cutting it. I use Seachem Prime and let the water sit for an hour before adding it.
Re: Betta fish and water change schedules
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2025 12:31 am
by techy
tanger wrote: ↑Sun Jun 29, 2025 10:10 pm
How often do you guys change the water for your bettas? I've been doing weekly 25% changes, but my fish seems stressed after. Tank is 5 gallons, heated to 78F, with a sponge filter. Wondering if I'm overdoing it.
Stress could be from temp swings. Are you matching the new water temp to the tank? Even a 2-degree difference can mess with them. Also, check your ammonia levels between changes.
Re: Betta fish and water change schedules
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2025 1:44 am
by flintox
I do 20% every 10 days for my 10-gallon. My dude's chill with it. Maybe cut back to 15% weekly? Less disruption, same cleanliness over time.
Re: Betta fish and water change schedules
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2025 3:38 am
by rockyfox
Agree with techy on temp matching. I use a digital thermometer to double-check. Also, how's your flow? Sponge filters are gentle, but if it's too strong, that could add stress.
Re: Betta fish and water change schedules
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2025 3:58 am
by kayaks
yo i just change when the water looks sketchy. my betta's alive so i guess it works? lol
Re: Betta fish and water change schedules
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2025 5:08 am
by cipher
kayaks wrote: ↑Mon Jun 30, 2025 3:58 am
yo i just change when the water looks sketchy. my betta's alive so i guess it works? lol
That's... not ideal. Ammonia builds up before you see it. Get a test kit, dude. API Master Kit is gold.
Re: Betta fish and water change schedules
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2025 5:50 am
by _rivulet
I've had success with 20% weekly in my 5-gallon, but I drip-acclimate the new water over an hour. Slower changes = less shock. Also, Prime is a must.
Re: Betta fish and water change schedules
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2025 6:00 am
by baker
if your fish is stressed, try smaller changes more often. like 10% twice a week. keeps things steady.
Re: Betta fish and water change schedules
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2025 7:35 am
by Riftcore
I've noticed my bettas are more relaxed when I change water in the evening. They're less active then, so it's less disruptive. Maybe timing matters?