How do I change my betta's water?

Question

I just got my betta fish as a present and I have no idea how to take care of it! He lives in a little flower vase type thing. I live in a dorm so should I get a heated tank since its usually like 65-74 degrees F in my room and he might be cold? :/ If so how much do they cost because I'm pretty much broke!

Answer 1

I keep mine at about 73. You can get a cheap heater at Wal-mart and a small tank for less than $40.

Answer 2

Hola!
You don't need a heated tank but do get him / her out of that vase and into at least a 1 gallon size container (2 or 3-gallon is even better). Go to Wal-Mart. For under $20 you can get a hexagonal tank with hood light. The light emits enough "heat" to keep the water temp at 73-75 degrees. I have several Bettas in such tanks and have never had a problem with water temp.

They even throw in a plastic plant, some tropical fish flakes, and water conditioner. Toss the flakes. Your Betta most likely will not eat them. Keep the plant and water conditioner. Buy a bag of gravel. Color doesn't matter.

To set up the tank: Rinse the gravel under running lukewarm water. Rinse out the tank with hot water - no soap, no cleansers of any kind. No need to dry. Add the gravel to the tank, add cold tap water, add water conditioner. Aquasafe is the usual water conditioner that comes with these tanks. Read the and follow the directions for your tank size. ALWAYS use a water conditioner when using tap water. If you don't, your fish will die.

Your tank is basically set up BUT now you have to wait - at least 24 hours, 48 is even better, but at least 24. This is called "aging" the water and is one of the best things you can do for your betta's health and well-being. After that time, you can put your betta into the tank.

Spring water might be good...but it can get expensive after a while, especially if you use a larger tank. Since you're on a budget, it wouldn't be a very economical choice.

Here's an excellent betta web site:
http://www.bettatalk.com/

If you have any questions, feel free to email me:
[e-mail]

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Bettas originated in southeast asia, basically the jungle...
65° is definately bad for a betta. Even a cold draft is bad for it. Keep it away from doors and windows.

Hmm. Resolve the temperature fluxuation in your dorm or get him a 10 gallow tank with a small heater. It'll cost you $20 max.

You don't have to used bottled water when changing the water... Get a large container (bucket etc..) put cold tap water in it and let sit for 24 hours... Hot water has heavy metals in it from the water boiler. And when changing water, always change 25% of the tank... Too much will shock the fish.

Answer 4

Because of the variance of temperature in the room you should buy a small tank and heater. I have seen 3 gal. set ups at wal-mart for $19.99. The have a plastic 3 gal. tank with a light and enough barely to cove the small under grave filter and an air pump and line. You can also buy a 15 watt heater for $4.99. 65 degrees is to cold and water temperature variance causes the fish stress and opens them up to Ich and other diseases.
If you have room to store a plastic gallon (Washed well)l keep it filled and let it sit for two days before using it (lets the Choline gas escape) to change the tanks water remember that it will be at room temperature.

Answer 5

If you are worried about your fish getting too cold, sit him next to a lamp this will warm up the water some, but not too close you could get him too hot. Some fish only need around 72 degrees to stay alive. As for changing his water, always make sure you only use room tempature water. If you use cold faucet water you can give him water shock and he will die and only change a little over half of his tank water.

Answer 6

you don't need a heated tank. if you can survive in the room, the fish should be able to also. you forget that water has amazing properties when it comes to heat retention. when the water gets murkey, "fish" him out and put him in a seperate container (try to only use spring water, the lack of contaminants will improve the chance the fish will live longer) also, make sure the water is room temperature. clean out the bowl without soap, just wipe with a towel. replace the water with spring water (again, room temperature) and put him back. you might want to give the fish a couple hours in the other container before transferring back because you might overstress the fish.

Answer 7

I just changed ours the other day. He just lives in a fish bowl with some stones at the bottom. I just pour out the old water, put him in a bowl with that water, wash the bowl and the stones and add fresh water about room temp. Thats it. Ours does not have a heater and he is 2 years old. Our house stays about 75 and he is just fine. Good luck.

Answer 8

that temp is alright.
i first boiled the water. let it sit until it reached room temp. then i changed it every two days i fed the fish a little every day
alot of work for a little fish. if you have the green plant on
top? it is not good for the fish, it is not food. my fish was
here for 4 years and i finally gave him to a little boy who
wanted it

Answer 9

what I do for mine is keep another little container on stand by with water already de chlorinated for him and just rinse his out when I transfer him.betta bowls are cheap like 5.00 so just keep moving him from one to another when cleaning.I dont use soap at all.the residue can KILL him and there is no need for it just warm water and wash with your hand.

Answer 10

about less than $60