Betta fish might be small, but they still require a sizable amount of care. If you're going to keep this type of fish, you must learn how to clean a betta fish tank.
Even with a quality aquarium filter, betta tanks can become overwhelmed with nitrates and other toxins if you don't clean them and partially change their water regularly, which can ultimately be fatal.
Keep reading to learn all the steps involved in cleaning a betta fish tank, maintaining water quality and other helpful information to make the process go more smoothly.
Shop this article: Tetra ColorFusion Aquarium, Tetra Whisper IQ and API Algae Scraper
This depends on your betta fish tank setup. You should never keep a betta fish in a tank any smaller than 5 gallons, but larger is better. Something between 15-20 gallons is ideal for a betta fish and a handful of suitable tankmates.
The main benefit of larger betta fish tanks is that they provide a more enriching environment for your fish, but it comes with the bonus of less regular cleaning. You need to clean a 5-gallon tank weekly, while a larger 15- or 20-gallon tank only needs cleaning once or twice a month.
Among the best betta fish tank options is the Tetra ColorFusion Aquarium. This 20-gallon betta fish tank with filter also includes LED lighting and aquarium décor.
Ideally, you should keep your betta fish in the aquarium while you clean it because removing them can stress them — only remove them if you're changing 80% or more of the water in their tank.
In this case, carefully remove them with an aquarium net and place them in a bowl or large mug with plenty of water from their aquarium, making sure to cover it with something breathable.
Your betta tank needs an aquarium filter, but you shouldn't clean it or change the media at the same time as you clean your tank and change the water. Filters are full of beneficial bacteria colonies that help create a healthy tank ecosystem, so changing them at the same time as the water can wreak havoc.
One of the best fish tank filter options is the Tetra Whisper IQ. These filters run quietly, maintaining healthy pH levels for your betta fish. They accommodate aquariums with 10, 20, 30, 45 and 60 gallons of water, depending on the model. You'll also need these filter cartridges, which should be replaced monthly.
Before you get started cleaning your betta tank, wash your hands and put on a pair of disposable gloves. This protects you from bacteria in the tank and the tank from any bacteria or germs on your hands.
Tap water is full of chlorine and other substances that can be toxic to fish, so you need to prepare the clean water you're going to put in your aquarium ahead of time. Fill a clean bucket with as much water as you need and add a commercial aquarium water conditioner according to the package directions. Alternatively, you can simply leave the water uncovered for 24-48 hours, which is long enough for the unwanted substances to disperse.
Your betta fish tank should have an aquarium heater and filter. Turn these off before you start cleaning, along with any other electrical items, such as lights and bubblers.
Use an algae scraper to remove any algae you see growing inside the tank. There are different types of algae scrapers for both glass and acrylic fish tanks, so choose accordingly to avoid scratching or damaging the aquarium.
Use a gravel vacuum or gravel siphon to clean the gravel substrate of your betta fish aquarium. Dropped food and fish waste can settle in the substrate and breed bacteria, so you must clean it. Gravel siphons clean gravel and siphons off the water at the same time.
You're doing two jobs at once — cleaning the substrate and removing the water that you'll replace with your clean prepared water. In a betta tank of 10 to 20 gallons, you should aim to remove 10% to 20% of the volume of water in the tank. In smaller 5-gallon tanks, you may need to remove more like 30% to 40% since more waste builds up in a smaller area.
You don't need to clean ornaments every time you clean your betta fish tank, but look out for algae buildup and clean them when necessary. Remove the ornaments from the tank slowly and carefully so you don't stress your fish and clean each one with hot water and a clean toothbrush. Avoid using soap or cleaning products as these can be toxic to fish.
Slowly refill the tank with the water you prepared earlier. You should have left it out long enough for the water to reach room temperature, though if you're doing a large water change, you should gently heat it to the same temperature as the water in the tank — this should be 75-80 degrees for betta fish.
Now that the tank's clean and topped up with fresh water, it's time to turn your filter, heater and any other electronic items back on.
Used for cleaning the algae off the inside of an aquarium, this is a must-have when cleaning your betta fish tank. It should be used only on glass and not on any other surface.
Python Pro-Clean Gravel Washer and Siphon Kit
This device cleans aquarium gravel while siphoning off water, getting two jobs done at once. It is suitable for aquariums with a capacity of 20 to 55 gallons.
A simple pail that you can use to collect dirty water from your tank. It's large enough to do a 20% water change of a tank up to 25 gallons.
This aquarium water treatment neutralizes chlorine and other substances in tap water that can be toxic to fish, making it safe to use right away. It should be used whenever you add a fish or water to the aquarium.
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