How to Change Water in a Betta Tank

Bettas need frequent water changes, especially if they are kept as they usually are in bowls or tanks without filtration. The ammonia and nitrate levels in the water can get excessive from the waste and your Betta will be unhappy and stressed. Unhappy and stressed Bettas get sick and die sooner than they need to. Changing your Betta's water takes only minutes a week.

Things You'll Need

5' of flexible plastic hose
Watering can or bucket
Clean water container
Water thermometer

Instructions

- 1
  Change 30 to 50% of the water in your Betta's bowl every week. The smaller the bowl, the more important it is to do weekly water changes. If you happen to have a filtration system in your Betta tank, you can do 20% water changes every other week.
- 2
  Fill your clean container with enough water for a water change about 24 hours before actually changing the water. This allows chlorine to evaporate. If you use a water conditioner, add it when you fill the container. Set the clean container of water next to your Betta bowl so the temperature of the water becomes the same.
- 3
  Siphon water out of your Betta's bowl. Put one end of the plastic tubing into the bowl (be careful not to bump Mr Betta) and siphon it from the bottom where the waste and discarded food accumulates. Make sure the end of the hose going into your watering can or bucket is lower than the bottom of the bowl. A quick suck on the end of the hose will get the water flowing and if you are fast you won't get any in your mouth.
- 4
  If you use a heater in your Betta's bowl, it is OK to warm the water for a few seconds in the microwave right before putting it in his bowl. Use a thermometer to make sure the temperature is within two degrees.
- 5
  Gently pour the clean, conditioned water into the Betta bowl or tank. The old water can be poured down the sink or even used for watering houseplants. The waste and nitrates in the old water makes a good fertilizer for most plants.