100% Water Changes

[AlphaBetta1]

Do 100% water changes stress out Bettas? I know that Oldfishlady recommends them in a 4 gal or less, but I have always thought that they stressed the fish out too much. Could someone explain this?

[Oldfishlady]

While I do recommend 100% water changes in unfiltered small tanks without live plants. Its only because it is easier to explain than 80-90%. IMO/E and based on experiments-the 100% can be 80-90%-leaving the Betta in the tank for the water change as long as you are careful-With that said, sometimes it is easier to cup so that you can give the tank a good stir to bring the mulm/debris up into the water column so you can dip most of it out-you don't need to remove the substrate or move everything around every week and the 50% I recommend for the small tanks along with the 90-100%- is just water only. A simple dip half the water out and replace with like temp dechlorinated water.

Some Betta can be more stressed with water changes than others. Usually a healthy Betta will recover pretty fast after a large water change or if they are cupped-provided that you properly acclimate if you cup or keeping the water fairly close in temp when you leave them in the tank for the water change.

Most water quality issues related to this species are due to poor quality foods and/or overfeeding.

[waterdog]

Listen to OFL she knows her bettastuff! lol

Seriously, this is a question that you will never get a 100% RESPONSE to (yes it was a play on words) I don't know that there is a right or wrong answer, just what works for your situation!

[AlphaBetta1]

Alright, thank you. I know Oldfishlady knows her stuff. :)

[MrVampire181]

I only do 100% on betta jars. No point in cutting ammonia in half over and over when you can just get rid of it. I set up tubs of clean water. I dump the jar in a net, scoop out clean water, replace fish and move on. Since my fish room is heated to 85F the fish are only shocked for a few minutes before going back to their daily activities.

[callistra]

Meeko your fish are hearty right now but as they age shock that lasts only a few minutes now will eventually kill them.. You should always acclimate your fish during a water change and not just throw them in clean water and "move on".

[MrVampire181]

Been breeding for four years. The only thing that has killed my fish is bacterial infections (most likely from imports) and old age. And most of mine will be in barracks once I start breeding again.