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Betta fish and health monitoring tools
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:58 pm
by florapex
What tools do you guys use to keep track of your betta's health? I've got a 5 gallon tank with a sponge filter, heater set to 78, and do weekly water changes, but I wanna make sure I'm not missing anything.
Re: Betta fish and health monitoring tools
Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2025 2:09 am
by Fortezza
I keep a simple logbook for water params, like temp, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Test strips are quick but not always accurate, so I double-check with a liquid test kit every couple weeks. Also, observing behavior daily helps catch issues early.
Re: Betta fish and health monitoring tools
Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2025 6:55 am
by waves_4
Fortezza wrote: ↑Wed Sep 03, 2025 2:09 am
I keep a simple logbook for water params, like temp, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Test strips are quick but not always accurate, so I double-check with a liquid test kit every couple weeks. Also, observing behavior daily helps catch issues early.
Yep, behavior's huge. If my guy's not flaring at his reflection or begging for food, I know something's off. I also snap pics weekly to compare his color and fin condition.
Re: Betta fish and health monitoring tools
Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2025 8:22 am
by garden
I'm kinda lazy with logs, but I use an app to track water changes and feedings. It's got reminders, which helps. My tank's planted, so I keep an eye on how the plants are doing too, since they're a good indicator of water quality.
Re: Betta fish and health monitoring tools
Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2025 11:47 am
by DeltaByte
Got a digital thermometer with an alarm if the temp swings too much. Also, a cheap microscope's been clutch for checking poop and slime coat samples when things seem sketchy. Sounds extra, but it's saved me a couple times.
Re: Betta fish and health monitoring tools
Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2025 11:56 am
by flourish
How often do you all test for things like pH and hardness? I've got a 10 gallon with driftwood, and the pH tends to drop over time.
Re: Betta fish and health monitoring tools
Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2025 3:46 pm
by florapex
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna start a log and maybe look into that microscope idea. Appreciate it!
Re: Betta fish and health monitoring tools
Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2025 8:15 pm
by Fortezza
flourish wrote: ↑Wed Sep 03, 2025 11:56 am
How often do you all test for things like pH and hardness? I've got a 10 gallon with driftwood, and the pH tends to drop over time.
I check pH weekly if I've got driftwood or other tannin sources. Hardness monthly, unless I'm seeing issues. Buffering substrate can help stabilize pH if it's swinging too much.
Re: Betta fish and health monitoring tools
Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2025 9:15 pm
by waves_4
Yeah, driftwood's a pain for pH. I switched to almond leaves instead, way less dramatic. Plus, my guy loves hiding under them.