Need Help Please

[DRTBiff]

What kind of water is best for a betta in a one gallon bowl? Should I use water condtioner such as Bowl Buddies fizz tablets? I was told that tap water wasn't good to use by you guys and I don't understand why. Please elaborate on this for me. Thank you.

[Cody]

Tap is perfectly fine, unless of course it has a ton of nitrites, nitrates, high pH, etc. Dont waste your money on "betta water". Just get a good water condtioner that will cost like 3 bucks.

Also, a one gallon bowl will be hard to manage with params and the like, unless you do daily water changes. I would suggest upgrading for the benefits.

[Meatpuppet]

i like to use a liquid water condioner like betta plus. i trust it better and is cheaper (at least where i live)

[DRTBiff]

Thanks for the info, but what are params? Is that the decor?

[stephenmontero]

water prams are like the levels of things in ur water

[Cody]

Originally Posted by DRTBiff

Thanks for the info, but what are params? Is that the decor?

Params = Parameters. This includes Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, pH, gH, kH, temperature, etc. You will know what is in your water from a liquid test kit. You need 0 ammonia and 'trites, 'trates preferably under 20ppm, pH around 6-7.5 (most tropical fish can adapt, however). Temperature around 78 degrees (78-84 for bettas).

[DRTBiff]

When I do water changes, should I use a gallon jug full of tap water with the condtioner inside and cap it overnight to let the water be room temp, or should I leave it un-capped overnight so the oxygen won't be cut off in the jug? Does this matter? It was just something I was wondering about. I want my fish to be able to breathe because right now she's having problems breathing.

[iamntbatman]

Human skin is actually surprisingly sensitive to temperature differences. When I'm doing a water change, I usually take one last small cup of water from the tank and hold my hand in it while I adjust the temperature of the water coming out of the tap. When they feel the same, they are usually within one degree of one another. I just add the dechlorinator directly to the new water, give it a quick stir with my hand, and pour it gently in the tank. There's no need to let the water sit out overnight.

[DRTBiff]

Thank you for making it easier on me. I feel relieved to know that I might make the fish breathe better by not capping off the water overnight. I had no idea that was acceptable. You are a life saver, thank you again!