Do you chemical test your betta tank?

**CinRell** · 01-13-2007, 06:31 PM

I have a 5 gallon. I always use the dechlor water treatment in the water, but should I be doing more?

**jman** · 01-13-2007, 06:32 PM

water changes still...

**Betta_noob** · 01-13-2007, 06:56 PM

Well I believe that you're going to get a lot of varied answers on this one.
But you probally should have a test kit handy so that you can properly be aware of your levels should anything ever happen to your fish.
I think it's a must of fish keeping.

**jeffs99dime** · 01-13-2007, 07:34 PM

i am a firm believer of testing water parameters and conducting water changes frequently no mater the size of the tank! actually, the smaller the tank the more you should be conducting tests often. parameters will fluctuate more rapidly in a smaller tank because there is less area which means there is less water, greatly increasing your chances for the tank to "foul" quicker.--jeff

**CinRell** · 01-13-2007, 10:44 PM

No problem..they make so many test kits for so many things... recommendations?

**Drumachine09** · 01-13-2007, 11:08 PM

Quick dip 5-in-1 is a good tester.

**AquaQueen** · 01-14-2007, 12:16 AM

Well I have to agree that no matter what the size of your tank your key to happy healthy fish is to test and change your water often...I do mine weekly but have a verity of fish so I need to. As for the test strips no matter what kind I used I personally have had incorrect results on a number of tests to the point that I brought water from all of my tanks to my LPS to have them test it and the water was fine in all but one and the test didn't even show me that. So I have since got a Mater Test Kit and have had not one problem with it, I find any problem right away and fix it before there are any fish deaths or diseases. This is only my oppinion, I say you do what you find that helps you best you will have lots of tips and ideas to choose what suits you and your fishies best..Good Luck!

Here is a link that shows the Master test kit and the info on each kit they have.

**AquaQueen** · 01-14-2007, 12:22 AM

lol...oops forgot to paste the link....DUH...here it is http://Welcome to Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

**Glasstapper** · 01-14-2007, 01:38 AM

I just use dechlorinator, as well. My betta is happy with my pH so I don't need to adjust it. I do, however, perform weekly 50% water changes in my 5 gallon. My 45 gallon gets 60%, so it's only fair he gets just as much fresh water as everyone else. ;)

I do adjust the pH on the 45 gallon. Other than that, I don't use any other chemicals. You really shouldn't need to use any more than the dechlorinator and a pH adjuster (if necessary, though).

**blue fin** · 01-14-2007, 02:14 AM

My wife keeps a betta , she doesn't test anything, just changes the water weekly, it's only a 1 gal tank, she refills the jug and leaves it open to declorinate itself naturally.