Should you use soft or hard water for beta?

Question

I had three beta's that have died. Is it the soft water?

I have them in aquariums you can purchase at Pets Mart, The water I use, after I get done cleaning them, I fill a jar with water so it sits for 4-5 day I do ad a drop of water conditioner to it.

Answer 1

Most people kill teir Betas by overfeeding them 2 times a week is good.They live in mudholes in the wild so I would think the water is ok.

Answer 2

I don't know all that you are doing, but you need to let the water sit for a day. I had several, but I had them In 10 gal aquariums and no, not all in the same tank. I have hard water and all I did was use filtered tap water. I also had a filter on the tanks. They also like a few plants that are bushy and float. I got into the breeding thing for a while. The little tiny bowls you see them in at pet shops aren't enough for them. They need at least a cubic foot of living space. They usually are pretty easy to care for. Feed them once a day. Not twice a week. The person above me doesn't know what he is talking about. You will need a decent heater. They don't do good at all in cold enviroments. Get a book at a pet store for tropical fish, or just go to the store and stand there and read and get what you need. I did that sometimes. That way it is free.

Answer 3

Bettas "prefer" a soft to medium hardness, but I've had them in hard water without a problem. Hardness probably isn't your problem, either, as these fish are highly adaptable.

It sounds as if you're changing all of your water at one time - you should only have to change about 25% each week in a 10 gallon tank. Any more, and too much of a change can shock you fish -especially if you don't do the changes on a regular basis. You also should use drops of a dechlorinator if you're using tap water - chlorine can kill your fish.

Do you have a heater? From my experience, most people kill them with too cold of water. They like it on the warm side - 78-80. Make sure your water that you use for water changes is close to the temperature in the tank before using it.

See link for more betta care tips:
http://majesticbettas.com/

Answer 4

Soft water is preferred for Bettas.

Most likely your problem has to do with water temperature. They don't do well in cold water- they come from Thailand where temperatures are quite warm, so they will need a heater in the winter.

What kind of tank do you keep it in? While the stores keep them in tiny cups, they do much better in a proper tank. They're easier to keep than most fish, and can do fine in a 5 gallon tank, but they benefit from aeration just like other fish.

A lot of people try to keep them in a pot with a plant but they don't live long that way. They must have access to the surface of the water or they will suffocate. They have a swim bladder and need to access air from the top of the water periodically.

Answer 5

The advice to let water sit for a day is good. Chlorinated water can also be harmful to fish (I've lost a few that way), but the chlorine dissipates if you let the water sit for a day. Letting the water sit will also allow the it to come to room temperature.

Answer 6

Bettas aren't really picky about the hardness at all. In Fact, they are generally known to be rather tough fish. If you would like to fill in a few details about the coniditons for each one maybe we can figure out the common thread and thus the problem.

Answer 7

You know? I don't think so, because when i was really little i had a beta and i used soft water and he stayed alive for about a year. hope i have helped!

Answer 8

I've never used soft water with mine and they have all lived at least over a year if not much longer.

Answer 9

library books will tell or pet shop