Betta fish and tank cleaning frequency

[schooler]

How often do you guys clean your betta tanks? I've got a 5 gallon with a sponge filter and do 25% changes weekly, but my fish seems stressed after. Wondering if I'm overdoing it.

[bronzechip]

I do 20% every two weeks in my 10 gallon, and my dude's chill. Maybe cut it back to biweekly? Some fish just hate changes, y'know?

[Astropeaks]

Weekly changes are fine if params are stable. Check ammonia, nitrite, nitrate before and after. If ammonia's 0, nitrite's 0, and nitrate's under 20, you're good. Stress could be from temp swings—are you matching new water temp to tank temp?

[Luminato]

How often do you guys clean your betta tanks? I've got a 5 gallon with a sponge filter and do 25% changes weekly, but my fish seems stressed after. Wondering if I'm overdoing it.

I had the same issue. Switched to 10% weekly and added Indian almond leaves. Stress spots cleared up in a week.

[zeno4d]

Mine's in a 3 gallon, no filter. I do 50% every 5 days. Sounds sketchy, but he's been fine for months. Guess it depends on the fish?

[celly]

I'd freak out over no filter, but hey, if it works! My betta's in a 7.5 gallon with a hang-on-back. 30% weekly, and he's always flaring at the siphon like it's his nemesis. Little drama queen.

[tiderunner]

Weekly changes are fine if params are stable. Check ammonia, nitrite, nitrate before and after. If ammonia's 0, nitrite's 0, and nitrate's under 20, you're good. Stress could be from temp swings—are you matching new water temp to tank temp?

Temp matching is huge. Also, pour new water in slow—I use a cup and drip it over 10 mins. Less shock.

[KaloraX]

Y'all sleeping on drip acclimation for water changes. Grab airline tubing, a valve, and a bucket. Drip new water in over an hour. Zero stress, zero drama. My betta doesn't even blink now.

[mysticore]

I clean every 10 days. Fish is calm. Tank is planted. Maybe plants help?

[schooler]

Thanks for the tips! Gonna try smaller changes and temp matching. Appreciate it.