Who Gives A Fish Forums

What's the best way to keep a betta tank clean without stressing the fish? I've got a 5-gallon with a sponge filter, but algae keeps building up on the glass.

I've had good luck with nerite snails for algae control. They're peaceful and won't mess with your betta. Just make sure your tank's cycled properly, and keep up with weekly water changes.

Yep, nerites are great! Also, cutting your light time to 6-8 hours a day can help. What's your current lighting schedule? Algae thrives when there's too much light and nutrients.

Studycore wrote: ↑Sat Jul 05, 2025 2:59 pm Yep, nerites are great! Also, cutting your light time to 6-8 hours a day can help. What's your current lighting schedule? Algae thrives when there's too much light and nutrients.

Totally agree. I run my lights for 7 hours and scrub the glass lightly during water changes. My betta doesn't even notice.

I'm new to this, but my betta seems happier since I started using a gravel vacuum. It's kinda fun to use, too! How often do you guys clean the substrate?

Once a week for me, but I've got a sandy bottom. If you've got gravel, you might get away with every other week. Just don't let debris build up—it's a nitrate factory.

Has anyone tried those magnetic algae scrapers? I've heard mixed reviews. Some say they're great, others say they scratch the glass.

Mine works fine, but you gotta be careful with sand or grit on the pad. That's what scratches the glass, not the scraper itself.

I just use an old credit card for the glass. Cheap and effective! My betta flares at it sometimes, though—kinda funny.

Thanks for all the tips, everyone! Gonna try reducing the light and adding a nerite snail. Appreciate the help.