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Which water should I use?

1654 Views 8 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  serenebeach
My head is spinning from everything I've been researching about the best water for my betta. I've had him for about 3 months and he is in an unfiltered, heated 1 gallon cube. I had been using tap water conditioned with Prime for his water changes (100% once to twice a week). I recently tested my tap water and realized that the water straight from the tap has 1.0ppm Ammonia. I tested my Pur filtered water from the fridge door and it read .25ppm Amm so for the last couple of water changes I used that. I switched from Prime to Aqueon Betta Bowl Plus because it said that it adds trace elements...which I read are removed by the Pur filter.

Also, he may have some fin rot due to an injury when I tried to use a cup instead of a net to remove him a few weeks ago...I accidentally broke off a couple of fin rays with the edge of the cup. I started using aquarium salt and betta fix, but i haven't seen any change so today I did 100% water change and went back to my tap water treated with Prime and nothing else.

If someone could let me know which water option is better: the tap water with ammonia treated with Prime or the filtered, fridge water treated with Betta Bowl Plus. I worry about the ammonia in the tap water only being neutralized for 24 hours with the Prime. But is filtered water lacking important minerals?:hmm:

Thanks! It's amazing how this little creature has found his way into my heart. I just want to make sure that Mr. Fishburne (Lawrence) is healthy and has the best water I can provide.
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I do have a 26 gallon that is 2 weeks into cycling now. I will probably move Mr. Fishburne to that when it is completely cycled. But for now, the 1 gallon will have to suffice. Especially if he does have some fin rot. Thanks :)
Thanks for the info OFL...we are surrounded by oak trees...what quantity of oak leaves would you use?
Thank you so much for the info..do you strain the crushed leaves out of the treatment water before using it in the tank? I put 3, rinsed dead oak leaves in his cube about an hour ago.
I saw another post where you mentioned that you don't strain the water, but that you can if you want. I have my one gallon treated water soaking with the crushed oak leaves and I'll follow your instructions on how to slowly introduce the water. Thanks so much for the help...I really don't want to have to use harsh medications if I don't have to!
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