One of the most important things to learn when raising a betta is how to change the water in the tank properly. Dirty containers are unhealthy and can make betta fish sick, but changing the water improperly can also harm the fish. There are two methods for changing your betta's water: partial (or partial) water changes and complete water changes. Usually, a partial water change is recommended, but periodic thorough water changes may be required to clean the entire container.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Performing a Partial Water Change
Step 1. Prepare new water
Fill a clean, large container with new water. Leave the betta container for now. Use a water conditioner (available at pet stores) to remove chlorine and other harmful substances from the new water.
Follow all directions provided by the water conditioner, and use exactly the amount required for the size of your aquarium
Step 2. Let the water warm up
Transferring your betta directly to water that has a different temperature can be dangerous. Let the container of fresh, conditioned water sit at room temperature for about an hour so it's safe and comfortable for your fish.
Instead, you can mix hot and cold water from the tap until it is at the same temperature as the water in your betta's current container. If you follow this method, use an aquarium thermometer to make sure the water temperature in both containers is the same and add a water conditioner to the new water as instructed
Step 3. Drain some of the water from the hickey's current container
To perform a partial water change, you will remove some of the water from the betta's container and replace it with some of the new, conditioned water. Using a clean scoop or similar, remove about 25-50% of the water from the betta's current container. Keep the hickey in the container while you drain the water.
- To be more precise, you can measure the water as it comes out. For example, if you have a 75 l aquarium, remove up to 37.5 l by measuring it using a measuring cup or other measuring container.
- You can also use a suction hose to transfer water from the betta's container to a bucket or sink. Once the water begins to drain, move the hose so that it “sucks up” the gravel at the bottom of the tank, picking up fish feces, old food, and other debris.
Step 4. Refill the betta container
Slowly pour the new, conditioned water from the container you prepared into the betta's current container until it reaches the water level as before. If the container is too heavy to lift and pour, use a clean scoop (or similar container) or suction hose to add water. It's okay to leave the betta in its container when adding new water, but add water slowly so as not to disturb the fish.
Step 5. Repeat frequent water changes
Most experts recommend changing your betta's water at least once a week. If for some reason your betta's container becomes very dirty, however, you will need to change the water more often.
Method 2 of 2: Performing a Complete Water Change
Step 1. Prepare new water
Fill a large clean container with new water. Leave the betta container for now. Use a water conditioner (available at pet stores) to remove chlorine and other harmful substances from the new water.
Follow all directions provided by the water conditioner, and use exactly the amount required for the size of your aquarium
Step 2. Let the water warm up
Transferring your betta directly to water that has a different temperature can be dangerous. Let the container of fresh, conditioned water sit at room temperature for about an hour so it's safe and comfortable for your fish.
Instead, you can mix hot and cold water from the tap until it is at the same temperature as the water in your betta's current container. If you follow this method, use an aquarium thermometer to make sure the water temperature in both containers is the same and add a water conditioner to the new water as instructed
Step 3. Remove the betta fish from its container
Using a fishing net, transfer the betta from its current container to a new container of water. Be careful when moving fish, as their fins are very susceptible to injury.
Step 4. Clean the betta container
Remove the old water from the hickey's container. Clean the container carefully, using only water and a sponge or soft cloth; Soap and other products can injure fish. Be sure to sift the aquarium gravel to remove faeces, food debris, etc.
Step 5. Start filling the betta container
Take some of the new water from the betta's current container and pour it into the tank. Pour just enough so the hickey can move comfortably in its container.
Step 6. Transfer the betta back to the tank
Using a fishing net, transfer your betta from its temporary container back to the aquarium, which is now partially filled with new water. As before, be careful when moving fish.
Step 7. Pour the remaining water into the betta's aquarium
Take the remaining fresh water from the temporary container and pour it very slowly into the betta's tank. If the container is too heavy to lift and pour, use a scoop (or similar container) or hose to move the water. It is important to pour very slowly so as not to disturb the fish.
Step 8. Repeat thorough water changes as needed
Often, a partial water change is all that is needed for a betta aquarium. However, do a complete water change, if the tank becomes completely dirty.
