Below are the detailed steps and precautions for cleaning a betta fish tank, combining scientific methods and practical tips:
1. Pre-Cleaning Preparation
Tools and Materials
Spare container (e.g., glass cup/bowl), water conditioner, soft brush/algae scraper, siphon, sieve, plastic spoon.
Do not use soap or chemical cleaners—residues are lethal to betta fish.
Environment Setup
Unplug equipment such as heaters and filters to avoid electric shock or damage.
Prepare new water with the same temperature as the original tank in advance (let it sit for 24 hours to remove chlorine).
2. Cleaning Steps
Transfer the Betta Fish
Use a net or cup to move the fish to the spare container, and pour in water from the original tank (the water level should cover the fish's body).
Cover the container to prevent the betta from jumping out (betta fish are prone to jumping).
Clean the Fish Tank
Drain Water: Use a siphon to remove 1/3 to 1/2 of the old water from the bottom (focus on removing feces and leftover food).
Clean Decorations: Rinse the substrate and decorative stones with warm water, and use a soft brush to clean algae on the tank walls.
Filter System: Rinse filter media with water from the original tank (to avoid destroying nitrifying bacteria).
Fill and Condition the Water
First place the substrate and decorations, then slowly pour in the new water.
Add water conditioner (follow the dosage instructions on the product label) and stir to mix the old and new water.
3. Precautions
Water Change Amount Control: For beginners, it is recommended to change 50% of the water each time; gradually increase to 80% after getting used to the process.
Frequency Recommendation: Perform a small cleaning (25% water change) once a week and a thorough cleaning once a month.
Water Quality Monitoring: Observe the betta's condition after cleaning; if there is any abnormality, test the ammonia/nitrite concentration.
4. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cloudy Water: In the short term, you can add enzymes to decompose organic matter, or use a UV sterilizer (30 minutes per day).
Algae Outbreak: Reduce light exposure time and manually scrape off algae from the tank walls.
By following the above methods, you can effectively keep the betta fish tank clean while minimizing stress on the fish.