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The best source of water comes right out of your faucet at home. However, it
contains chlorine, ammonia, toxic metals, and other harmful chemicals that
must be neutralized or removed before adding your Betta. Also, you must
maintain the right levels for tempurature and PH to keep your Betta happy
and healthy.
Conditioning: There are two products on the market that work great
to detoxify tap water. They are AmQuel and NovAqua. These two conditioners
work together to remove harmful toxins as well as provide a buffer to protect
your fish from stress and illness associated with sudden moves or water
changes. I usually add about 6 to 8 drops of each to one gallon of water.
PH: Your Betta will be most comfortable in water with a PH level of
7.0. They are pretty hardy little creatures and can live in more acidic
(lower PH) water or less acidic. There are numerous products that can read
and adjust the PH levels of your water. I recommend the tester that contains
a small test tube and drops. It's only a few dollars more than the test
strips, but it lasts longer and it's easiest to read the results. Since
it is important to regularly check the PH, it's nice to have a test kit that
will last a while. Along with testers, you can also get products to lower
or raise the PH level. Keep in mind that any sudden changes to a Betta's
water can be stressful, so change the PH gradually and never overdo it! It's
better to allow the Betta to adapt to the PH level than dump a bunch of acids
or bases in the water.
Tempurature: Bettas are tropical fish; therefore, it is very important
to pay attention to the water temperature. They typically enjoy a temp of
around 80 degrees. Anything between 70 and 84 is acceptable. Make sure you
have a thermometer in your tank so you can monitor any fluctuations. Perhaps
your heater might be on the fritz or you accidentally unplugged it. Or, if
your tank is near a window, make sure the sun is not shinning directly on
your tank. This can overheat the water and cook your fish! Also, remember
only 5 watts per gallon for a heater. So if you have a 10 gallon tank, you'll
need a 50 watt heater. If you have a small jar, fishbowl or tank (about
1 gallon or so) keep your Betta in a warm room, or near a light that can warm
the water.
Prevention: I usually add some aquarium salt and Aquarisol to my
conditioned water as well to prevent fungus and parasites that can harm your
fish. I know you're probably thinking, "What? Salt? but this is a freshwater
fish!" Actually, freshwater fish enjoy a little bit of salt in their water.
Not only does it help prevent illness, it also is good for proper gil
function and reduces stress. I typically add a pinch (maybe 1/4 tsp) to one
gallon. I add one drop per gallon of Aquarisol.
Aging: Although the water conditioners are instant, it's still a good
idea to age the water before introducing it to the Betta. I usually let mine
sit out for about a day or two.
Perfect Water Recipe
For every one gallon of water:
6 to 8 drops each, AmQuel and NovAqua
pinch of Aquarium salt (about 1/4 tsp.)
one drop Aquarisol
let it sit out for a day or two
Match up temps and PH to the water your Betta is already in
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