Who Gives A Fish Forums

How often do y'all change the water for your bettas? I've been doing weekly changes, but my fish seems stressed after each one. Tank's a 5 gallon with a sponge filter, temp at 78F, and params are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate.

Weekly's a solid start, but if your fish is stressin', try smaller changes. I do 20% twice a week in my 10 gallon, keeps things steady. Also, check if your tap water's got chlorine or heavy metals, that can mess with 'em.

Falcone wrote: ↑Wed Jul 09, 2025 2:34 pm Weekly's a solid start, but if your fish is stressin', try smaller changes. I do 20% twice a week in my 10 gallon, keeps things steady. Also, check if your tap water's got chlorine or heavy metals, that can mess with 'em.

Agreed. Smaller, more frequent changes are better than one big one. I also recommend using a water conditioner if you're not already. Seachem Prime's my go-to.

i do mine every 2 weeks, but my tank's planted so the nitrates stay low. my betta's chill with it, no stress. maybe try adding some plants?

Plants def help, but if you're not into that, just match the new water temp to the tank. Big temp swings can freak 'em out. I use a digital thermometer to check before adding.

brixton wrote: ↑Wed Jul 09, 2025 4:30 pm Plants def help, but if you're not into that, just match the new water temp to the tank. Big temp swings can freak 'em out. I use a digital thermometer to check before adding.

Temperature's key, but don't forget pH. If your tap's way off from the tank, that'll stress 'em too. Test both before and after changes.

i change 25% every week. no issues. tank's bare bottom, no plants. fish is fine.

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try smaller changes and double-check my water conditioner. Appreciate it!

No prob, man. Let us know how it goes. Betta keeping's all about tweakin' stuff till it works for your fish.

Exactly. Every tank's different. My betta hated weekly changes at first, but now he's used to it. Just takes time and observation.