My betas' tank gets cloudy after only one or two days of cleaning. I am putting the recommended amt of drops to the water. I only have glass rocks at the bottom and one plastice shoe for swimming in. I hate it. I love my beta but don't want to spend that much time on it. Help! Any suggesstions?
2006-12-03 17:24:12 · 12 answers · asked by ? 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Cloudy water is caused by ammonia. Ammonia is a byproduct of overfeeding, fish waste...etc. You need a bio-filter, a pretty complicated stuff for someone who knows nothing about fresh or saltwater aquariums. You didn't specify how big your fish bowl or tank is, but I guess it must be small, for betas. If it's just a goldfish bowl for your betas, then keep a sponge about 1/5 of the size of the fish bowl to build up the "good" bacteria (inside the bowl). Change 1/4 of water every week or so, and clean the sponge of waste by shaking it under running cold water (don't completely rinse or squeeze it). The good bacteria will clear up the water in about a month or so. Water circulation is important for this good bacteria to grow, and for a small fishbowl, an air pump with an airstone is, I guess, sufficient. But you really need to read up on books or mags about this hobby. Could be costly but very addictive and fun.
2006-12-03 18:20:17 · answer #1 · answered by dn.dan_6575 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't say how big your tank is, but the reason for the cloudiness is that you are changing all of the water each time. Only change 25% of it the next time and start going 4 days between those partial changes.
The cloudiness is a bacterial bloom that will clear up on its own. It is a natural part of the nitrogen cycle. Every tank needs to go through this cycle to build up the beneficial bacteria that help break down the ammonia and nitrites that come from decaying fish waste and uneaten food (only feed once a day).
Ammonia is the biggest killer of aquarium fish there is. It usually happens soon after the tank is set up because the beneficial bacteria are not at sufficient numbers to do any good with the ammonia and nitrites.
Once the tank has completely cycled, you can go for 7 days between the partial water changes. I would boost the amount up to 40% however.
Good luck. Email me if you have more questions. Confirm your address to the answers site first though so you can be replied to.
2006-12-03 17:34:06 · answer #2 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Use Coral sand instate of Glass rock! and don't over feed your fishes! the cloudy water due to the left over and fish waste( ammonia ). The micro organic creatures form the coral will neutralize the cloudy water. have seaweed in the tank, that will give you more oxygen in the water.You can also use a filtering system. I need only to clean my 30" x 18" tank and change the water ( 2/3 ) fortnightly.
2006-12-03 17:37:35 · answer #3 · answered by FIXIT 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What type of water are you using? That makes a difference as well. You can also try getting some other types of fish, tank cleaners, to help you keep the tank clean for your beta. Hope you have better luck with this issue!
2006-12-03 17:32:20 · answer #4 · answered by joka629 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it could be that you're putting too much food in the bowl - that tends to cloud it up - if the fish doesn't eat it right away, then it kind of secretes a gross oil. Also, beta fish make little bubble nests when they're happy, so that can cloud up the water too. You generally should change the water once a week at least.
2006-12-03 17:33:10 · answer #5 · answered by silllyfox 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on how big the betta's tank is, you should try adding some fresh plants. I have a gold betta named king, and he's in a 2 gallon tank with white fine grained sand and two bamboo plants. Betta's love the feeling of sand. And with plants, not only does it circulate air, it also gives a fresh look to the tank. And also, you might want to try switching a different brand of food, i recommend Hikari Betta Bio-Gold. Good luck with your betta.
2006-12-03 18:04:03 · answer #6 · answered by Sindee 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should try feeding him less that could be the cause of your trouble. the uneaten food will cause the water to cloud over and the drops will do nothing to prevent that. You could also try to add a couple extra drops to the water. they will not hurt the fish but could clear up the water if you are in an area that has a lot of hard metals in the water.
2006-12-03 17:31:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you have a water pump in your fish tank??
that's the only reason i can think of as to why it is getting cloudy so quickly when your putting drops in.... maybe if you have one you need to get a bigger one....
best off going into your local pet shop and asking a professional maybe....
Good luck with you beta's hope their days become clearer...
Ibanez xo
2006-12-03 17:36:01 · answer #8 · answered by ibanez 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Feed less. The cloudiness is from bacteria which grow on wasted food.
2006-12-03 17:33:53 · answer #9 · answered by Susan M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clean the tank, get a tank with a filter
2006-12-03 18:09:56 · answer #10 · answered by nuncompoop 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋