Cleaning a betta fish tank requires special attention to water quality stability and operational safety. Here are the detailed steps and precautions:
I. Preparation Work
- Hand Washing and Disinfection: Thoroughly wash your hands with clean water to avoid soap residue contaminating the water quality.
- Power Disconnection Protection: Unplug electrical devices such as heaters and filters in advance.
- Tool Preparation: Prepare a temporary container (e.g., a clean cup), water conditioner, soft-bristle brush, sieve, plastic spoon, etc.
II. Cleaning Steps
1. Transfer the Betta Fish
- Fill the temporary container with original tank water, then gently scoop out the betta (avoid damaging its fins).
- It is recommended to retain 50%-80% of the original water to prevent stress from a full water change.
2. Clean the Fish Tank
- Pour out part of the original water, focusing on cleaning the bottom gravel (use a sieve to filter debris).
- Use a soft cloth or magnetic scraper to remove algae from the tank walls—never use chemical cleaners.
- For stubborn stains, disinfect with potassium permanganate (keep the concentration low and rinse thoroughly).
3. Restore the Environment
- Replace the cleaned gravel and add new water at the same temperature as the original (dechlorinate it in advance).
- Gently return the betta to the tank and pause feeding for 24 hours to reduce excretion burden.
III. Precautions
- Frequency: Change 20%-30% of the water weekly and do a deep clean monthly.
- Water Quality Monitoring: Regularly test the pH (6.5-7.5) and ammonia levels.
- Tool Selection: Use a stainless steel net to minimize disturbing the betta.
IV. Additional Tips
- Consider adding cleaner fish (e.g., White Cloud Mountain minnows) to reduce leftover food accumulation, but ensure compatibility when cohabiting.
- If the betta’s bubble nest becomes overly dense, gently remove excess bubbles with a straw.
With standardized operations and regular maintenance, you can effectively maintain the cleanliness and ecological balance of the betta tank.