Water Change Frequency for 1.5 gal

SplenP · 08-09-2009, 10:32 PM

Hello everyone. This is my first post. I've kept larger tanks in the past, but this is my first small tank - 1.5 gal with a very small Whisper filter and one Betta fish.

I'm guessing that smaller tanks need water changes more frequently than the larger ones I had before.

Basically I'm wondering how often I should change water, also considering the filter. I don't plan on there being any uneaten food. I'm hoping to find a smaller siphon to use to clean the rocks and do a half water change at a time. I don't want to remove and scrub everything as some people suggest. I feel like that would just kill the good bacteria.

Also, the fish store owner told me to only feed two small pellets a day. That seems like such a small amount. I was thinking maybe 2 pellets twice a day.

Thoughts on feeding or frequency of water changes?

dramaqueen · 08-09-2009, 11:03 PM

Hello and welcome to FishForum. I would change the water on a 1.5 gallon once a week. With a filter and siphoning this ought to keep the water pretty clean. Yes, you can feed your fish 2 pellets twice a day.

AngelicScars · 08-09-2009, 11:04 PM

I'd say around 1-2 full water changes a week.
As far as the food, 2 pellets twice a day should be fine.

SplenP · 08-09-2009, 11:09 PM

Thanks for the responses. Dramaqueen, were you suggesting a full water change as well?

I always thought that shocked fish too much, but maybe I'm thinking of less hardy fish. I was thinking a half water change would allow me to leave the fish in the tank while I siphoned half of the water (away from the fish of course!) Is that too dangerous?

AngelicScars · 08-09-2009, 11:16 PM

I always remove the fish. You can always use the cup they came in to catch them. That avoids the net.
Yes, she does mean full water changes. The shock they get is from not being acclimated.

dramaqueen · 08-09-2009, 11:22 PM

Yes, I was suggesting a full water change.

SplenP · 08-09-2009, 11:23 PM

Hi AngelicScars, actually mine came in a plastic bag :) But I can find something.

rb500 · 08-10-2009, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SplenP

Hi AngelicScars, actually mine came in a plastic bag :) But I can find something.

Pheonix was the fish on display when I got him, so they sent me home with him in a bag too

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