Okay, dumb question, but how often am I supposed to change the filter in my 5-gallon tank? It stays really clean, and I haven’t had any issues to make me think that it needs to be changed; but I just wanted to make sure and see what you all do. I’m still somewhat new and trying to learn. J Thanks in advance!
Also, does anyone have a 1-gallon bowl that they keep on a desk at work? I have one, but I'm afraid the water isn't staying warm enough. What do you do?
You shouldn't have to change the filter ever (until its falling apart). Just take out the media and swish it in the old tank water when you are doing a water change. Do this twice a month.
Oh, okay, great! J I’ve heard some people say that they change their filters every few months, so I just wanted to make sure. I usually do a 50% change, once a month, and I rinse the filter then. That has worked out really well for me so far.
Errrr once a month? Have you checked your water parameters for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate? If not, it may be a very good idea to do so as you may need to do water changes more often.
Errrr once a month? Have you checked your water parameters for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate? If not, it may be a very good idea to do so as you may need to do water changes more often.
Yup, I really have. When I got my first betta (Alex) in August, I didn’t know what I was doing, so I tested the water almost once a week just to make sure everything was okay. The levels have always been good. I usually do the 50% change once a month, but I test the water ever couple weeks. Maybe it’s because I have a lot of live plants that help filter the water? I heard that they are good for putting the “good stuff” back in the water and taking out the bad, so that’s why I chose them instead of just plastic plants. I absolutely love them, and they are all looking healthy and growing well. (They started out really small, but have grown a lot in the last few months)
This has all been working pretty well for me, but if y'all have more ideas or think that I'm doing something wrong, I'm open for help and ideas. I definitely don't know everything about bettas; just learning as I go. Thanks all!!
Also, my fish at work is only in a 1-gallon bowl right now (which I hate), but it's company policy... Thankfully, my bosses and co-workers are very nice and they love my betta, so I don't think they would care if I got a 1.5 gallon tank with a light... heehee It would keep it cleaner, and I want one with a heater so the water temp will stay regulated better.
hello and welcome to the forum. For extended and optimum health, most betta breeders and the pros would reccomend in a tank that size 1 50% and 1 100% PER WEEK.I personally clean my 10 GALLON 1 25% a week, so the smaller the tank, the more you will have to clean it. Is your tank CYCLED?
The minimum size for bettas IMO, is a 2.5 gal, although some hobbyists, with VERY frequent water changes has successfully kept bettas in 1 gallons.
Are you talking about the 1-gallon tank? I usually do a 25% change every Friday. I've had it for a month and it's very clean and my betta is doing well. The only think I don't like is that the water is cooler than I would prefer, which is why I want the tank...
I would be worried about nitrates and tds in the 5 gallon cycled tank using that water change schedule.
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