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betta fish and water parameter adjustments
Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2025 2:13 pm
by Cody
My betta's been acting weird since I changed the water. I usually keep the temp at 78, but the pH was a bit high so I adjusted it. Now he's just sitting at the bottom. Did I mess with the params too much?
Re: betta fish and water parameter adjustments
Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2025 3:01 pm
by Lynx
Sudden pH changes can stress them out. What's the current pH, and how much did you adjust it? Also, did you use a conditioner?
Re: betta fish and water parameter adjustments
Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2025 3:54 pm
by Riveno9
Cody wrote: ↑Mon Jul 07, 2025 2:13 pm
My betta's been acting weird since I changed the water. I usually keep the temp at 78, but the pH was a bit high so I adjusted it. Now he's just sitting at the bottom. Did I mess with the params too much?
How long ago did you change the water? Sometimes they just need a day to chill. Also, check ammonia and nitrite levels, just in case.
Re: betta fish and water parameter adjustments
Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2025 5:23 pm
by flaxton
Yep, ammonia spikes can happen if the cycle's off. What's your tank size and filter type? Smaller tanks can swing params way faster.
Re: betta fish and water parameter adjustments
Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2025 5:43 pm
by timber
I've had this happen before. If the pH swing was more than 0.5, it's sketchy. Test the water again and maybe do a small water change with conditioned water to stabilize it.
Re: betta fish and water parameter adjustments
Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2025 6:35 pm
by taezan
Gonna echo the ammonia check. Even if the pH's fine, ammonia's a silent killer. Get a liquid test kit, strips are trash.
Re: betta fish and water parameter adjustments
Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2025 7:31 pm
by leathyr
My dude did the same thing last month. Turned out the heater was busted and the temp dropped overnight. Double-check your gear.
Re: betta fish and water parameter adjustments
Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2025 8:19 pm
by florabug
If you're using tap water, remember to dechlorinate. Chlorine's a big no-no. Also, how often do you do water changes?
Re: betta fish and water parameter adjustments
Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2025 10:07 pm
by SwanLander
I'm new to this, but my betta perked up after I added Indian almond leaves. Maybe try that?
Re: betta fish and water parameter adjustments
Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2025 10:49 pm
by jasonbrick
florabug wrote: ↑Mon Jul 07, 2025 8:19 pm
If you're using tap water, remember to dechlorinate. Chlorine's a big no-no. Also, how often do you do water changes?
Yep, and some conditioners also neutralize heavy metals. What brand are you using?