Do betta fish need a water conditioner?

In this blog we will discuss why water conditioners are important for bettas.This blog will help new betta enthusiasts on how to use water conditioners and type of water conditioners to be used in their tank.

Overview

In this blog

  • Do betta fish need a water conditioner? 
  • Why do we use water conditioners in bettas tanks?
  • Types of water conditioners used for bettas
  • What happens if you add too much water conditioner to the betta tank?
  • Do water conditioners buffer the tank pH? 
  • Summary 
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Reference 

Do betta fish need a water conditioner?

Betta fish require clean water with a pH range between 6.5-7.5. You can buy specially prepared betta water, but the best water to use in a bettas aquarium is the right conditioner to neutralize any chemicals, heavy metals, or copper that may be present in the water.

Not all types of water are good for bettas.It would be better to make a distinction between what is suitable for bettas and what can cause possible health problems. 

Why do we use water conditioners in bettas tanks?

  • Ammonia harms fish such as betta by burning their gills.Fish with ammonia poisoning tend to gasp at the surface of the water. While occasional breathing of surface air is a normal part of a betta fish’s behavior,a betta with ammonia poisoning will do so in a crazier way and will show unusual swimming behavior.
  • The main reason to use water conditioners in bettas tanks is their sensitivity to poor water conditions and they can die if they don’t get pristine water conditions.
  • Ammonia and nitrite should always be kept at less than 0.5 ppm,but it is preferable to register as close to zero as possible and nitrate should be less than 20 ppm.
  • Beyond the above levels will affect bettas health and make them sick and might kill them.
  • Tap water contains harmful chemicals that kill all the beneficial bacteria in the betta aquarium.
  • Chemicals in tap water kill bacteria and prevent them from processing ammonia and this causes ammonia poisoning and serious harm to your betta fish.
  • Another hazard to your betta is phosphates.Although they do not harm your betta directly,they do encourage algae growth,which poses a massive threat to the plants and fish in the aquarium.
  • It is important to add a water conditioner in advance to make tap water safer for bettas. 
  • Water conditioners process water very quickly, but it is advisable to leave the water in the tank for 1-2 days before adding bettas.
  • Adding 6 drops per pint, 12 drops per quart, or 1/2 teaspoon per gallon of tap water instantly detoxifies chlorine,chloramines, ammonia, and heavy metals in the solid bowl or tap water.It will be safe for bettas.

Types of water conditioners used for bettas

Fish lovers can make tap water safe for their fish by pre-treating it with a liquid water conditioner available at an aquarium or pet shops. Choose a conditioner like a stress coat that instantly detoxifies chlorine and chloramines and also binds any heavy metals.

There are so many water conditioners out there. To choose the best one, you will need to compare several options and pick one for your bettas to promote good health.

API tap water conditioner for bettas tank

API tap water conditioner instantly removes toxins from tap water, so you can add fish to your aquarium right away.Treating it removes chlorine from aquarium and tap water, detoxifies heavy metals, and can be used in both fresh and saltwater.

This treatment works quickly and takes about 24 hours to circulate, depending on the dosage used and the size of the tank gallon.

API stress coat for bettas tank

Water conditioners make tap water safer for fish by removing chlorine, chloramines and heavy metals from tap water, have aloe vera healing powers, reduce fish stress by up to 40%, and heal damaged tissues and wounds.

This conditioner also reduce electrolyte loss in your fish, and should be used when:

  • Does not process ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate. 
  • Costs a gallon higher than Seachem Prime.
  • Handling, netting, or adding fish to a bag for the trip home from the store.
  • Starting an aquarium.
  • Performing monthly water changes.
  • When adding new fish to your aquarium.

Imagitarium betta water conditioner for betta tank

The Imagitarium betta water conditioner ensures your betta a safe living space by removing chlorine and chloramines, detoxifying heavy metals and promoting nitrification.

This recipe also helps keep your pet’s slime coat healthy.

  • Removes chlorine and chloramine
  • Detoxifies heavy metals and Provides electrolytes
  • Promotes nitrification. For fresh and saltwater systems
  • pH balanced
  • Use during aquarium setup and water changes. 10 drops per Gallon or 5ml (1tsp) per 10 Gallons.
  • Ingredients Include:Pure Water, Sodium Thiosulfate, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Sodium Carbonate, Blue Dye, Synthetic and Natural Polymers, Preservatives.

TetraAquaSafe for bettas water tank

It is harmless to slightly exceed the dose of tap water conditioner. Even if you increase the dose up to 2 times.Tetra AquaSafe is not harmful. Always ensure a sufficient oxygen supply.

It eliminates chlorine to make tap water safe for fish in the aquarium. Use it every month to regulate the water and protect the fish,and it works instantly.You should add eight drops of Tetra AquaSafe per one gallon of water.

  • Eliminates Chlorine,Chloramine,but does not detoxify ammonia and Heavy metals.

Tetra BettaSafe water conditioner

A complete water conditioner formula for bettas that effectively removes harmful chlorine, chlorine and heavy metals from tap water and adds a preservative glue coating in seconds.

For building new freshwater aquariums,partial water level changes or evaporative replacement.

  • Provides a complete and fast-acting water treatment for bettas.
  • This easy-to-use conditioner detoxifies the harmful ammonia in tap water, neutralizes chlorine, chloramines and heavy metals, and reduces mucus.
  • Adds a protective slime coating.

Seachem Prime for bettas tank

It is one of the best aquatic conditioners for betta fish, as it detoxifies ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates in addition to removing chlorine from the water.Prime can also be a lifesaver in an emergency.

This product can bind the highly toxic ammonia and convert it into non-toxic ammonium, which can help save your fish if there is a sudden spike in ammonia in your fish tank.

  • Complete and concentrated conditioner for both fresh and saltwater.
  • Removes chlorine, chloramine.
  • Detoxifies ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.
  • Removes a wide range of potentially harmful compounds.
  • May sometimes have an unpleasant odor.

What happens if you add too much water conditioner to the betta tank? 

Too much water conditioner can kill your bettas fish.However, not using a water conditioner in your fish tank is more likely to kill your fish than using too much water conditioner.

In fact, adding water conditioner to an aquarium will not kill fish unless you exceed the recommended dosage.Moderation in everything is always good.Kindly read the manuals before using water conditioners, if you are a new betta keeper.

Do water conditioners buffer the tank pH?

Some water conditioners play an important role in buffering the pH of the water in the tank.Elevated pH in water can cause stress, damage and kill betta fish.

These water conditioners can be used to limit fluctuations in the pH of the water in the tank.

Summary

  • Adding tap water directly into betta’s aquariums can harm them .You can remove chloramines using betta-formulated water conditioner.
  • Note that not all water purifiers are effective at removing it, do all your research before buying a conditioner for bettas tank.
  • Tap water conditioner instantly removes chlorine and detoxifies heavy metals such as copper, lead and zinc.It’s a concentrated formula, so add only one drop per gallon of water.
  • Nitrates, nitrites and ammonia can harm and kill your betta. You can get rid of these toxic compounds by changing the water frequently and cultivating good bacteria.
  • Unused water conditioners with solid lids are reliable after expiration and can be used in aquariums even years later.
  • Seachem prime is beneficial for bettas health by actively converting toxic ammonia into a harmless form.The conversion helps protect the bettas from a poor water condition.
  • Tetra bettaSafe contains minerals and vitamins to keep your small aquatic ecosystem healthier.It stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria in the water tank.
  • Water conditioners make a massive contribution to restoring or strengthening the mucous membrane in fish.
  • A healthy mucus coat is essential for the development and healing of diseases and injuries.
  • Water conditioners are essential for your aquariums. Even if you treat the water yourself, you cannot be 100% sure that the water in your tank will be pure.
  • Any water conditioner is effective in protecting bettas from toxic compounds such as chloramines and heavy metals.

Frequently asked questions

How much water conditioners are required by a five gallons aquarium?

A five gallon aquarium requires five teaspoons of water conditioners.

How much water conditioner is needed for a 20 gallon betta tank?

It is recommended to add 1 ml. for each 20 gallons of aquarium water in bettas tank.

Reference