How to Prepare Water for the Cleaning of Betta Fish Tanks

Though water is translucent and much of it looks the same to the human eye, all water is not the same. Most people will consider one of three choices when changing fish water: tap water, distilled water or bottled water. Tap water is often safe, but it needs to sit for approximately 24 hours in order to regulate to room temperature before using it for the betta fish. For highly chlorinated water, add chlorine remover to the water and follow the instructions on the product. Distilled water, void of any minerals, should never be used for betta fish. Bottled water varies and often requires some trial and error; if a certain brand works, it should be used consistently. Any change in using a brand of bottled water should be done slowly and mixed with the currently used brand until the gradual adjustment is made. It is a good idea to add betta conditioner to bottled or tap water.

Things You'll Need

• bottled or tap water
• betta conditioner or chlorine remover
• thermometer

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Pour enough bottled or tap water to refill the betta fish bowl into a container 24 hours before you wish to change the fish's water.

   • 2

     Check the pH of the new bottled or tap water. Bettas prefer a pH of 7, but they can survive as long as the pH range is from approximately 6.5 to 7.5.

   • 3

     Add betta fish conditioner per the product's directions to the water if using bottled water.

   • 4

     Add water treatment chemicals per the product's directions to chlorinated tap water to remove chlorine from water.

   • 5

     Check the temperature of the water. Water will regulate to room temperature within 24 hours. Bettas, considered tropical fish, prefer water to be approximately 72 to 82 degrees, though they can adapt to a little warmer or cooler temperatures as long as the adaptation period is very gradual.

   • 6

     Refill the fish bowl or tank with the new water once the24-hour period has passed.