KonaBoy

I just have a small tank right now (1 gallons), and about once every week, I change the water. I change 100% of the water, and he's been fine for 5 months, but is this bad, will it harm him? The only reason I change 100% is because I figure 50% is so little, I might as well do the whole thing. While I change the water, I put him in a spare bowl, then after an hour or two, I put him back. Thanks,


Cory

susitna-flower

Cory, bettas really do need more room than 1 gallon. A bigger tank is also easier to keep stable. The other thing bettas need that a one gallon tank don't have room for are a filter and a heater, they also LOVE bubbles.......so to answer the question on water changes...

It would be best to get a new 5 gallon tank and do 25 % once or twice a week. BUT until you do that.

Change out 25-50% every 2 or 3 days, instead of 100% all at once. It stresses the fish less......You didn't mention using a water conditioner when you change water....do you?

Tazmiche

one of our bettas is in a 54 ltr tank, he is tiny in it but the growth of his finnage has been amazing. He is soooooo happy and we don't need to do major water changes now.

If a bigger tank is not an option then i'd personally do a 10% water change each night. Not such a big job and keeps the water fresh.

KonaBoy

Yeah, I know I need a bigger tank, and I have been using water conditioner. I just am in college, and don't really have the funds to get a new tank, and the one I have already has fish in it. If anyone in Thunder Bay wanted to donate one... Okay, I'll change the water less now, thanks for the advice, and I'll be on the lookout for a bigger tank.


Cory

TheEssigs

Kona, I have a 2 gallon. I change approximately 1 gallon (maybe a little less) when I do water changes. IMO, doing a 50% water change should be fine in your situation. It actually can be more stressful for your betta to remove the fish and replace him each time you do water maintenance. It is also possible that you may damage his fins with the net and such during the transfer. As long as you dont over feed, and continue with a regular maintenance schedule I think you will be okay...

I think Rose (chickadee) could offer you the best advice, so I hope she sees your post.

Good Luck.

chickadee

If you cannot afford a tank even a container that holds more water is better than a 1 gallon would be preferable. I have even used a bucket before for a tank as long as it is a new one. They can be heated and filtered and it just takes a sponge filter which is not expensive or a small filter designed for a small tank. (like the Azoo Palm Filter which is wonderful and inexpensive) and a 25 watt heater. It is not the best arrangement and could be improved on. I have seen large Tupperware like containers or Kritter Keepers like Hamsters or Small animals other than fish are kept in used. I have seen storage bins used. Any container that is water tight and can have a heater and filter used on it is acceptable. It would need to be at least 2.5 gallons or 10 quarts in size. In my opinion the Tupperware type of containers would at least let the fish have some light if you cannot get a small hamster or creature type of container. The bucket can be used but would be uncovered and would have to have a cover fashioned of some type of plastic canvas or something so the fish could not jump out or the water level would have to be kept low enough for them not to be able to come anywhere near the top. This would mean a sponge filter for sure as a HOB filter would not reach deep enough to do a good job.

My suggestion to you would be:

A small Tupperware container
A small Sponge Filter
Airpump
Airline
25 watt heater

If you went to Walmart or a Dollar Store the cost of the supplies would be considerably less. The Dollar Store would probably have a big enough container for you for $3 or less and Walmart would have the small airpump and filter set for less than $10 and the heater for $10 or so and the airline for about $2. Now I was a student once and you can use the money all the time I know. This is $25 and I know that money does not grow on trees but It is the absolute cheapest way to go unless you happen to have a Salvation Army or Goodwill store about that may just happen to have what you need there and some times using used heaters and pumps and all is risky. They tend to fail when we least want or need them to. If you were not a student, I would not even consider the Walmart heater. I would be saying to you do not skimp on the cost of a heater and insist on the best as the best is only a few dollars more and is guaranteed for life. It is the Visi-therm Stealth heater by Marineland and they put them together to last because they guarantee them for life and do not want to have to replace them for free. They also hold the heat even and do not give you a surprise in the middle of the night some night. But they are usually around $18 and then you cannot always find them locally and have to order them and that means postage. I have no idea where you are and what stores you have around you but unless you have some regular pet stores the resources may be limited. But everyone has access to somewhere to get a square box of plastic and a small heater of some kind even if they cannot get a filter and have to continue to do the water changes daily. If you have a 3 gallon container a 1/3 water change a day (1 gallon a day) would be enough until you could afford to get a small filter and get it cycled. Cycling with fish does take time though so be prepared for 4 to 6 weeks after you install the filter.

Rose