Because betta fish get oxygen from the air, they can live in a fish bowl without a filter. However, a small bowl can stress your betta and shorten its lifespan. What's more, fish bowls should be cleaned regularly to keep them in good condition. This fish bowl cleaning process isn't really that difficult as long as you know what to do. However, investing in a larger aquarium will make the cleaning process easier and less tedious.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Preparing to Clean
Step 1. Determine how often the fish bowl should be cleaned
The main way to keep fish bowls clean is to change the water. However, this process can stress the fish and even die because of the mixing of bacteria and chemicals in the water. Follow these guidelines to keep the contents of your fish bowl clean and healthy without changing the water too often:
- Clean 0.5 gallon (2 liters) fish bowls daily, 1.5 gallons (6 liters) twice a week, and 3 gallons (12 liters) or more once a week.
- If your fish bowl has a water filter, you can wait twice as long after the first cleaning.
Step 2. Choose the new water
When cleaning and changing the water, it is best to remove about 20%-25% of the water in the fish bowl. Water changes must be prepared at least 30 minutes in advance for this treatment to work. You can use tap water, distilled water, or rainwater, but be sure to follow the suggestions below to make this treatment safe for your betta. Transfer your betta to a container with room temperature, soap-free water while you clean the tank.
Do not use rainwater if you live in an area with acid rain
Step 3. Add dechlorinator if using tap water
These dechlorinators are sold at pet stores under the names “dechlorinator tablets” or “air conditioners,” and are used to destroy chlorine and other chemicals that are harmful to fish. Add these ingredients if using tap water. Follow the instructions for sterilizing the “new” amount of water as you add it. Usually it takes about 30 minutes to see the results.
Skip this step if you are using distilled or rainwater
Step 4. Add aquarium salt (optional)
Aquarium salt for your betta or goldfish can be added in small amounts as instructed on the package. This can help the fish survive, but is not necessary. This step is recommended for fish with diseased skin, or if the water in the bowl is 100% distilled water.
Step 5. Check the water temperature
Bettas are tropical fish, and the recommended temperature is around 23-28º C, or slightly warmer than room temperature. If the freshly added water doesn't come close to this temperature, or feels colder or warmer than the water in the fish bowl, leave it in a warm room until it reaches a safe temperature.
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning the Betta Fish Bowl
Step 1. Wash your hands with water
Wash your hands to remove any remaining dirt and soap before cleaning the fish bowl. Do not use soap to clean your hands because soap can hurt or kill fish.
Step 2. Remove the betta if the fish bowl is small
Leaving the fish in the bowl is the best way. However, if the fish bowl is too small to clean without hitting the fish or blocking airflow, remove the fish before cleaning the fish bowl. Put some of the water from the fish bowl into a clean, soap-free container, then use a small fishing net to move the fish.
Leave at least 7.5 cm of space above the water level in the container so that the fish cannot jump
Step 3. Scrub the inside of the fish bowl with a new sponge or washcloth
Even the slightest trace of soap or other substances can harm fish. Use a new sponge or washcloth that has just been washed, rinsed, and hasn't been used since it was washed. Rub the inside of the bowl in circular motions to remove mucus and dirt.
- A sponge with a handle is the best tool to use.
- You can also use a new sponge to clean stones and other decorations.
Step 4. Drain 20% of the water in the fish bowl
Use a siphon, bucket, or cup (make sure all utensils are soap-free) to remove about 1/5 of the water from the fish bowl. You can use this water to water flowers in your garden, or throw it down the drain.
Step 5. Clean the outside of the bowl with another tool (optional)
If the outside of the bowl looks dusty or very dirty, you can clean it with a regular sponge or rag. Use Windex, soap, or other cleaning products as long as you are careful not to drip them into the bowl.
Step 6. Add new water to the bowl
Use carefully selected or prepared water as instructed in the preparation section above. If your betta is in a bowl, pour the water slowly so you don't disturb the fish with strong waves.
Step 7. Return the betta to the bowl
If you removed your betta to clean its cage, use a small fishing net to return it to the bowl. If you're concerned that the temperature of the water in the bowl has changed, or if you accidentally changed more than 50% of the water in the bowl, transfer the fish to the plastic bag containing the water from the previous bowl. Let the plastic bag float on the surface of the fish bowl for 15-20 minutes, then let the fish swim and remove the plastic bag.
Method 3 of 3: Performing a Thorough Clean
Step 1. Use this method if absolutely necessary
You don't have to do a major cleaning unless the fish bowl is slimy or looks so dirty you're having a hard time scrubbing it, or if the water in the bowl looks cloudy or cloudy. The more often you clean, the more water you will replace, and the more stressed your betta will be. If the fish bowl matches the betta's size, about 3 gallons (6 liters), you should only clean it thoroughly once or twice a year.
Step 2. Prepare a new water tank
You will replace about 50% of the water in the bowl. Use tap water with dechlorinated tablets, freshly collected rainwater, or distilled water with aquarium salt. Check the water temperature to make sure it matches the water in the bowl.
See the preparation section for more information on preparing aquarium water
Step 3. Transfer some of the water and betta fish to another container
Transfer about 50% of the water in the bowl to another container. Even if the water looks dirty, don't transfer your betta to a new container of water. Surprise because the new environment will kill the fish.
Storing dirty water can also ensure that you still have beneficial bacteria in the fish bowl that will break down the harmful chemicals produced by fish waste
Step 4. Empty the fish bowl
Separate pebbles, pebbles, and decorations by pouring the bowl of water through a strainer placed on top of a bucket, or using a cup. Dispose of residual water into a garden or sewer. If the fish bowl is too heavy to clean easily, use a transfer pipe instead of changing the water bit by bit.
Step 5. Rinse the contents of the bowl twice
Wash and rinse all pebbles, pebbles, and decorations at once in a basin of hot water to remove as much dirt as possible. Discard the hot water and rinse a second time using cold or room temperature water. Scrub with your fingers or an aquarium sponge the second time you rinse.
Step 6. Rub the fish bowl with vinegar if necessary
If water and scrubbing alone can't get rid of the dirt in the fish bowl, dampen a washcloth with white vinegar and scrub the edges of the fish bowl. You should always rinse off any excess vinegar with room temperature water after cleaning the bowl.
Never use soap, cleaning products, or substances other than water or vinegar to clean fish bowls
Step 7. Rearrange the fish bowl
Return the pebbles, small fresh, and/or decorations to the fish bowl. Pour in the freshly prepared water. Pour most of the dirty water into the fish bowl, but leave some room for the betta to swim in the temporary container. Wait for all the decorations and pebbles to land on the bottom of the bowl if needed.
Step 8. Return the betta fish to its place
Because of the many changes in the bowl, you should introduce your fish slowly. Let the fish float in the water containing the dirty water from the fish bowl in a plastic bag, inside the fish bowl. After 15 minutes, pour the water from the fish bowl into the bag. After 30 minutes, allow the betta to swim out of the bag, and discard the bag.
Tips
- To keep your betta fish healthier and keep the tank clean for longer, buy a larger tank for your betta than a fish bowl.
- Consider applying a “stress coat” before and after cleaning to reduce stress.
- To get the fish out of the bowl more easily, use a net. If you don't have one, you can use a cup.
Warning
- Soap can hurt or kill fish. Don't use it.
- It's not a good idea to keep your betta in a fish bowl because your betta needs good filtration, heating, vegetation, hiding places, and enough room to swim. The minimum aquarium size for betta fish is 5.5 gallons.
