In this post, we will answer the question “What are the ideal water parameters levels for betta fish?”. We will also discuss the range of each water parameters betta fish thrive.
What are the ideal water parameters levels for betta fish?
Here’s a quick rundown of the ideal water conditions for betta fish:
• Temperature: 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit
• Nitrate: 10-20 ppm • Ammonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm
• GH level: 3-4 dGH (50-66.7 ppm)
• KH: 3-5 dKH (53.6- 89.4 ppm)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
To successfully keep betta, you’ll need to understand the intricacies of these water parameters, why they’re vital, and what happens if they’re not in the right range.
The best temperature for betta fish
Betta fish originated in Thailand, a tropical country. As a result, the water temperature should be equivalent to that of the surrounding area.
Though bettas are tough and can live in a wide variety of temperatures, it is best to keep the temperature in the appropriate range for them.
Betta prefers temperatures between 75°-82°F.
Consistency is more crucial than hitting the perfect temperature range when it comes to temperature. Of course, the temperature should be kept between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, if the temperature is 75 degrees today and 82 degrees tomorrow, the betta may suffer major health problems. Our goal should be to maintain a consistent temperature, ideally within Betta’s recommended temperature range.
Ideal pH for betta fish
The pH of water indicates how acidic or alkaline it is. The neutral value is 7. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. The optimal pH range for a betta is 6.5 to 7.5. Because alkaline water increases the likelihood of irritation caused by ammonia, it’s best to keep the pH below 7.0.
How do I change the pH level?
You may need to alter the pH value if it is not within the optimum range. Adjusting the pH value, i.e. reducing or increasing it, is fortunately not difficult.
To alter the pH of an aquarium, both commercial and natural products are available. First and foremost, I prefer to utilize a natural product, such as Indian Almond leaves.
Tannins can be found in Indian Almond Leaves. Tannin is quite good at lowering pH levels. Per square foot of space, one leaf can be used. One leaf will last a month.
The leaf will emit tannin as it deteriorates over time, and the tannin will maintain the pH low. You can choose between API pH up and API pH down if you want a faster outcome. Both are quite dependable and get results significantly more quickly.
Ideal GH for betta fish
General Hardness is abbreviated as GH. GH calculates the number of molecules in a given amount of water (except for the water molecules). That is, GH will reveal how much magnesium, calcium, minerals, and other ions are present in the water.
Betta’s optimal GH range is 3-4 dGH (50-66.7 ppm). The presence of too much GH indicates that the water is hard. Little GH, on the other hand, suggests soft water.
How do I change GH levels?
There aren’t many viable natural GH-adjustment options. However, there are a few commercial products that can help you lower or raise your GH level.
Use API Water Softener if you need to lower the GH value. Use Seachem Equilibrium, on the other hand, to boost your GH. If your GH number is much outside of the optimal range, try to figure out what’s causing it. Look for the cause and eliminate it from the source. Otherwise, simply using items will not help you in the long run.
Ideal KH for betta fish
Carbonate Hardness is abbreviated as KH. It determines the pH’s stability. Higher KH indicates a relatively stable pH and vice versa. For betta, a KH range of 3-5 dKH is excellent (53.6- 89.4 ppm)
Other water levels keep an eye
Salinity
Betta is a fish that lives in freshwater. That means they won’t be able to survive in seawater. In a betta tank, you’ll need to utilize freshwater.
However, you can apply a prescribed quantity of aquarium salt in the betta tank to prevent or cure diseases like ich (preferably in a separate hospital tank to treat the betta).
Tannins
Tannin is a substance that softens the water in aquariums. If your water is particularly hard, i.e. has a high GH, you should put something in the tank that releases tannin.
Tannin is essential for keeping a betta tank healthy, in addition to softening the water. Betta fish like gentler water conditions. Tannin is excellent for this.
Tannin can be found in a variety of natural sources. Indian Almond Leaves, driftwood, almond bark, and other items are popular among enthusiasts.
Ammonia
Any tropical fish is extremely poisonous to ammonia. In a betta tank, there should be no more than 1 ppm of ammonia. Even a small amount of ammonia can cause the betta to get distressed and its gills to burn. As a result, no ammonia should be present.
Ammonia is produced when organic stuff in the aquarium decomposes. Uneaten fish food, dead organic materials, fish excrement, and other organic matters fall into this category. All of these degrade and emit ammonia.
You’ve probably heard of the Nitrogen Cycle. A colony of helpful bacteria forms inside the filter material when a tank is properly cycled. The ammonia is handled by this bacterial colony, which converts it to nitrite. As a result, there will be no ammonia in a well-balanced tank.
What to do with excessive ammonia amount?
Run a 50 per cent water change as soon as you notice any signs of ammonia or distress caused by ammonia. Find out what’s generating the ammonia surge and address it as soon as possible.
Keep in mind that ammonia can be fatal to betta fish. As a result, take care of it as soon as possible.
Nitrite
Nitrite, like ammonia, is extremely poisonous to fish. As a result, the level of nitrite in a fish tank should be zero as well.
You won’t have to be concerned if your tank has been properly cycled. A good bacterial colony will devour the nitrite and convert it to nitrate, a chemical that is considerably safer for the fish but still dangerous.
Nitrate
The Nitrogen Cycle’s final product is nitrate. The chain reaction that occurs when helpful bacteria begin to deal with ammonia is as follows:
Nitrite -> Nitrate -> Ammonia
Nitrate, unlike its predecessors, is not as toxic. However, if too much nitrate accumulates, the betta fish may be exposed to a harmful environment. That is why, to deal with excess Nitrate, we propose performing weekly water changes. In a betta tank, a nitrate level of 10 to 20 ppm is considered safe.
Conclusion
In this post, we answered the question “What are the ideal water parameters levels for betta fish?”. We also discussed the range of each water parameters betta fish thrive.
If you have any thoughts or doubts, feel free to drop us a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): What are the ideal water parameters levels for betta fish?
What should the levels of my betta tank be?
While natural Bettas prefer somewhat lower pH levels around 6, most captive-bred Bettas are more tolerant to pH values in the 5 to 8 range. Bettas, like other tropical fish, prefer warmer water (between 76°F and 82°F) but can tolerate temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F.
What is the pH level of betta fish water?
To keep it healthy, betta fish need a specific temperature range and pH (between 6.8 and 7.4). It’s critical to have a thermostat and a heater, as well as pH conditioners, to maintain these conditions steady.
Is it possible to let betta fish in the dark?
Our swimming companions require light to swim, but they also require a few hours of darkness to rest. Fish sleep with their eyes open, as we’ve seen. As a result, your pet must sleep in a calm environment with no exposure to light at night.
What can be done to reduce the pH of aquarium water?
Adding peat moss to your aquarium is a wonderful natural technique to safely reduce the pH. The only disadvantage is that it may cloud your water and change the colour of your aquarium. You can, however, pre-treat it for a few days in a separate bucket before placing it in your tank.
What kind of fish prefers alkaline water?
The guppy is a popular fish in Brazil. This kind of fish, often known as guppy, has an alkaline pH and is one of the best choices for individuals with tiny aquariums, as an adult can grow to be 4 to 6 cm long.
In the aquarium, what causes alkaline water?
As a result, it is well known that dolomite, common white gravel, has an alkalizing effect on water. This is due to the breakdown of certain salts found in these stones, which elevate the pH and provide a high level of buffering.
References
Thongprajukaew, K., Kovitvadhi, U., Engkagul, A., & Torrissen, K. R. (2010). Temperature and pH characteristics of amylase and lipase at different developmental stages of Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens Regan, 1910).
Song, M. (2006). Caring for Betta Fish. Lulu. com.
Rahman, M. Ideal Water Parameters For Betta: Betta Fish Water Guide. https://acuariopets.com/ideal-water-parameters-for-betta/
Betta Fish Water Guide: Ideal pH Level, Parameters & How To Change.https://japanesefightingfish.org/betta-fish-water/
Leighton, M. 2022. Water For Betta Fish: Our Guide On The Best Water Conditions. https://www.vivofish.com/water-for-betta-fish/
