Recommendations for Betta Fish Tank Cleaning Frequency
Betta fish are sensitive to water quality, so the cleaning frequency needs to be adjusted based on the tank size, whether a filtration system is installed, and the season. The specific recommendations are as follows:
Small Tanks (20–30cm) Without Filtration
Summer (Water Temperature > 28°C): Replace 1/3 of the water every 3 days and clean algae off the tank walls.
Winter (Water Temperature < 20°C): The interval can be extended to replacing 1/3 of the water every 5 days.
Note: When changing water, use water that has been left to sit and is at the same temperature as the tank water. Avoid large temperature differences, as they may cause stress to the betta fish.
Medium to Large Tanks (40cm+) With Filtration
Replace 1/4 of the water every 7–10 days. Rinse the filter pad gently with the original tank water every 2 weeks (to avoid destroying beneficial nitrifying bacteria).
If the water quality remains stable, the water change interval can be extended to 10–15 days, replacing 1/3 of the water each time.
Key Points for Cleaning Operations
1. Water Change
Do not replace more than 1/3 of the water each time.
Treat new water to remove chlorine—this can be done by letting the water sit for 24 hours or using a water conditioner.
2. Tank Cleaning
Use a magnetic algae scraper to remove algae from the tank walls.
Rinse tank decorations with the original tank water; do not use soap or chemical cleaners.
3. Substrate Maintenance
Use a siphon to clean the substrate once a month, removing leftover food and fish waste from the bottom.
Handling Special Situations
Water Quality Deterioration (cloudiness, unusual odor): Immediately replace 1/2 of the water and check the filtration system.
Algae Bloom: Reduce the tank’s light exposure time and manually scrape off algae from the tank walls.
Low-Maintenance Solution
If you use a tank of 5 liters or larger with a filtration system, you can replace 1/3 of the water every week. Pair it with a sponge filter (air-driven sponge filter) or a small canister filter to maintain water quality.
Summary
Betta fish tank cleaning should follow the principle of "small, frequent changes"—avoid full-tank water changes. Monitor your betta’s condition (e.g., fin rot, refusal to eat) and adjust the cleaning frequency promptly if any issues arise.