Hey there all - I used to keep my Betta in a 2 gallon Jar and changed the water (100%) every week - so when I set up my aquarium I figured "he's used to going into totally new water everyweek, this shouldn't be that big of a deal" - so I plunked him in a 3 gallon aquarium yesterday and wouldn't ya know it, the water is starting to get hazy - sigh - so I guess he is going back in the jar for the time being....but could someone answer me this.....why is it that his jar didn't get cloudy every week, when the aquarium is? It has gravel and a couple of rocks - anything I could do that would help? A plant maybe?
Thanks a bunch y'all
You guys rock
2007-12-03 10:29:59 · 13 answers · asked by freshbliss 6 in Pets ➔ Fish
He has a carbon and floss filter, and an airstone-undergravel filter
2007-12-03 10:35:27 · update #1
The tank has a filter I assume? The filter is the perfect area for beneficial bacteria that break down fish poop to "hang out". When you put the water in the tank, there isn't enough of a bacterial establishment to break down all the fish poop, so it has to grow at very fast rates. The cloudiness you are seeing is a bacterial bloom, classically associated with newly setup tanks. You will have to bear with it and keep the Betta in there. It will take about a month for it to fully "cycle", and then you will have clear water again. During this time, try to siphon poop out of the gravel twice a week (removing 15% of the water) or do a 25-30% water change once a week. A plant will be nice for the future, but it will not help now (but it is still a good idea to add now). Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Soop Nazi
EDIT: Bettas do NOT prefer murky, cloudy water. That is just an ignorant thing to say. Second, no chemicals will actually help what is happening. They may mask it, but it isn't healthy to hide it, it will really just slow down the process. Also, the "new tank syndrome" suggested by another user is called "cycling". It is the process by which bacteria build up that break poop and food down into ammonia, then nitrite, then nitrate.
EDIT 2: Bettas have a labyrinth organ (as with all Anabantids) which allows them to breath air directly from the surface instead of using their gills, so aerating the water is not necessary, but always a plus.
EDIT 3: Oh boy... Bettas, like all living creatures, produce waste, so unless you are willing to clean the tank a few times a week for the entire life of your fish, you will definitely want a filter to allow bacteria to help you out with your cleaning.
2007-12-03 10:35:53 · answer #1 · answered by nosoop4u246 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Just Leve Him In The Tank It WIll Clear Up,,,,Has The Water Been cycled? Dose It have Filter? Tap Water Will Get Cloudy Before It Cycles.
2007-12-03 10:34:56 · answer #2 · answered by Pistol_Packin_Neva_Slackin 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The aquarium is going through a new aquarium cycle. Make sure the water is tested every other day for about a week or two until everything stabilizes.
2007-12-03 11:20:29 · answer #3 · answered by ntyce 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Was the gravel and any other ornaments thoroughly rinsed before being placed in the aquarium? Even if they were, it isn't uncommon for some sediment to remain.
Is the filter functioning properly? And were the cartridges thoroughly rinsed, as well?
There are lots of things that might contribute to cloudy water... if everything is clean, there is a water clarifier you can get at the pet store that should sort things out. Good luck!
2007-12-03 10:34:01 · answer #4 · answered by Magpie 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
TOO FAST!!!!
20- 30% every change max!!!! don't know what a Betta is, but I have kept fish in the UK for over 25 years as a hobby, and only that.
I'd suggest it needs oxygen, by way of plants / tablets, and a companion for comfort, but I suspect by the size of your tank you already have problems.
2007-12-03 10:42:24 · answer #5 · answered by MikeD2 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you set up a brand new tank it may be what they call new tank syndrom it can last up to six weeks. if you have a filter installed try to find someone with the same filter and trade filters an old filter has chemicles in it that a new filter doesnt it may help you. ur bowl was getting cloudy to you just couldnt see it. they do sell cloudiness curing suplements to use
2007-12-03 10:36:24 · answer #6 · answered by rede3623 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
actually, the betta prefers cloudy to murky water. but there are products available that will actually force the particulates in the water to get "heavy" and end up under the gravel. another thing that will help is a small electric filter.
2007-12-03 10:37:48 · answer #7 · answered by wrldzgr8stdad 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
It's the chemicals in the water.. they will come to an equilibrium after a vew days. It may happen here and there. I asked the people that work for the Tetra website
http://www.tetra-fish.com/TetraFish.home
2007-12-03 10:33:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
take the gravel out and wash it thoroughly. Also wipe the inside of the tank with a wet cloth.
Remember to always wash new gravel really good.
Betas don't need a filter so don't even bother with it if your using one
2007-12-03 10:35:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
It's normal for the water to fog. My beta fish's tank does this.
2007-12-03 10:32:50 · answer #10 · answered by heh. 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋