Turbid water in betta fish tanks is a common issue, typically caused by the following factors, each with corresponding solutions:
I. Key Cause Analysis
Physical Turbidity
Adding unfiltered almond leaf extract, which introduces suspended impurities
Uneaten fish food residues or fish waste not cleaned up promptly
Biological Turbidity
Betta fish secrete mucus during the acclimation period, forming cotton-like substances
Overgrowth of heterotrophic bacteria (manifested as milky white, fog-like water)
Chemical Turbidity
Excessive use of water clarifiers or medications, leading to flocculation
Driftwood releasing tannins, causing the water to turn yellow
II. Targeted Solutions
For Physical Turbidity
Enhance filtration: Replace with dense filter pads or add activated carbon to absorb impurities
Reduce disturbance: Avoid stirring the substrate; promptly clean up uneaten food and fish waste
For Biological Turbidity
Turn off lights and stop feeding: Cease feeding for 3 days and reduce light exposure to inhibit microbial growth
Add nitrifying bacteria: Accelerate the establishment of bacterial balance (new tanks require a 1-week waiting period)
For Chemical Turbidity
Gentle water changes: Replace 1/3 of the water with aged water each time, avoiding large temperature fluctuations
Absorb residues: Place bamboo charcoal sticks or volcanic rock to adsorb chemical substances
III. Daily Maintenance Recommendations
Feeding control: Feed once daily, ensuring food is consumed within 3 minutes; skip feeding for 1 day per week
Filtration maintenance: Clean filter pads with original tank water monthly, retaining some old pads to protect nitrifying bacteria
Ecological assistance: Add apple snails or plant aquatic plants (such as Cabomba caroliniana) to aid in water purification
If turbidity is accompanied by abnormal fish behavior (e.g., gasping at the surface, tail rot), treat with medicated baths (e.g., methylene blue) or salt additions (at a concentration of 0.3%).