Here’s a detailed guide on water requirements for betta fish:
I. Water Source Options
Tap Water
Let it sit uncovered for 3–5 days or aerate it (with an air pump) for over 24 hours to remove chlorine.
In northern regions (e.g., Hebei, Beijing), tap water tends to be high in alkalinity. It’s recommended to use a water conditioner or switch to purified water instead.
When changing water, ensure the new water’s temperature matches the tank’s—avoid temperature differences larger than 2°C.
Purified Water
Requires no pre-treatment and can be used directly, making it ideal for emergency use or bettas sensitive to water quality.
Long-term use is costly and lacks minerals, so trace element supplements are necessary.
Mineral Water
Some brands (e.g., C’estbon, Nongfu Spring) have pH levels suitable for specific betta varieties:
C’estbon (pH 6.5–6.8): Works well for halfmoon bettas and other species that prefer slightly acidic water.
Nongfu Spring (pH 6.8–7.2): Suits needle-tail bettas and others needing slightly alkaline conditions.
II. Key Water Parameters
pH Level: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.5–7.5) is optimal, with minor variations depending on the betta variety.
Hardness: 5–15 dGH.
Temperature: 24–28°C, must remain stable—avoid sudden fluctuations.
III. Water Change Frequency & Management
Small tanks: Replace 1/3 of the water every 2–3 days. For larger tanks, replace half the water weekly.
Supplementary adjustments:
Add almond leaves to balance pH levels.
Use water conditioners for quick chlorine removal.
When using methylene blue or "lazy fish tank solutions" to treat illnesses, follow the product instructions strictly.
IV. Precautions
Never use untreated tap water or water from rivers/lakes (high contamination risk).
When changing water, do so gently to avoid stressing the bettas.