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Betta fish and water quality maintenance
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 10:25 pm
by Himal
I've been struggling with keeping my tank water stable. My betta seems stressed, and the ammonia levels keep spiking. How often should I be doing water changes in a 5-gallon tank with a sponge filter?
Re: Betta fish and water quality maintenance
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 10:56 pm
by flamion
Ammonia spikes are rough. In a 5-gallon, you'll wanna do 20-30% water changes twice a week, especially if you're not heavily planted. Test the water daily until it stabilizes. What's your current feeding routine? Overfeeding can mess with the balance.
Re: Betta fish and water quality maintenance
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 11:17 pm
by goldfinch
Yo, same issue here. My dude was acting sketchy until I cut back on food. Now I do tiny pellets once a day, and the water's way better. Also, grab some Seachem Prime, it's a lifesaver for detoxifying ammonia.
Re: Betta fish and water quality maintenance
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 11:54 pm
by flavorgift
I just got my first betta, and the water stuff is confusing. How do you know if the ammonia is too high? My tank's got a hang-on-back filter, but I'm not sure if it's enough.
Re: Betta fish and water quality maintenance
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2025 1:38 am
by Himal
flamion wrote: ↑Mon Jul 14, 2025 10:56 pm
Ammonia spikes are rough. In a 5-gallon, you'll wanna do 20-30% water changes twice a week, especially if you're not heavily planted. Test the water daily until it stabilizes. What's your current feeding routine? Overfeeding can mess with the balance.
Thanks for the advice. I've been feeding twice a day, so maybe that's the issue. I'll try cutting back.
Re: Betta fish and water quality maintenance
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2025 2:14 am
by flamion
flavorgift wrote: ↑Mon Jul 14, 2025 11:54 pm
I just got my first betta, and the water stuff is confusing. How do you know if the ammonia is too high? My tank's got a hang-on-back filter, but I'm not sure if it's enough.
You'll need a liquid test kit. Strips aren't accurate enough. Aim for 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and under 20 nitrate. A hang-on-back is fine, but make sure the flow isn't too strong for your betta.
Re: Betta fish and water quality maintenance
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2025 4:10 am
by goldfinch
For real, test kits are a game-changer. I was winging it at first, and my fish was not happy. Now I check every other day, and it's chill. Also, floating plants help soak up extra nutrients, just sayin'.
Re: Betta fish and water quality maintenance
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2025 5:03 am
by flavorgift
Got it, gonna order a test kit today. Do you guys use any water conditioners, or is tap water okay if I let it sit?
Re: Betta fish and water quality maintenance
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2025 5:24 am
by flamion
Always use a conditioner. Letting water sit only removes chlorine, not chloramines or heavy metals. Seachem Prime is my go-to. It's concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
Re: Betta fish and water quality maintenance
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2025 5:53 am
by goldfinch
Yep, Prime's the best. Also, if your tap water's sketchy, consider RO water with a remineralizer. But that's extra work, so only if you're having major issues.