100% water changes

Question
QUESTION: Hi Lynda,
You sparked my curiosity about the 5 gallon tanks you use with no filtration...the filter is so powerful, and I don't like that...my question is, if you change 100% of the water every week, how do you maintain the beneficial bacteria in the tank?

ANSWER: Hi Liane,
The betta is the only fish you can do this with.  He can live in an uncycled tank with no problem as long as we do complete water changes, always using a good water conditioner.  The main problem is "Ammonia"  Changing all of his water once a week, keeps his water free from this poison.  I would buy a test kit, and check his water every 4 days to make sure he has no ammonia in his water.  If he does, then you change part of his water until you make a complete water change.  Make sure your water is exactly the same temperature as the water the betta is in when changing his water.  Bettas thrive in clean water, so we must always keep his water very clean.  He also does well in a cycled tank, but this is a choice people have to make.  I find they do best in uncycled 5 gallon tanks with complete water changes.  I have cured many bettas this way, with water changes, even everyday, so I am convinced this is one of the best ways to go...but the choice is yours.  Bettas kept in smaller tanks must have their water changed 2-3 times a week.  I know this goes against everything we learn about fish, but for the betta it is the best way to go.  A strong filtration will harm him.  He must have a quiet place in the tank where he can blow his nest, and come up for air.  People could argue this, but this is my opinion.  I have bred them, and love them, and have kept bettas for years, still have bettas!!  Some have lived up to 8 years, but of course they were babies that I kept.  Bettas can live that long but unfortunately we do not know their age when we buy them at the pet store.
I hope this helps.
Lynda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Super!  I like your idea, since she seems more at ease in the water without the filter running...let me just clarify and make sure I under stand you.  Once a week, I should replace 5 gallons of water by doing perhaps 1 gallon at a time...Like, vacuum one gallon, put one gallon of clean water in...repeat process until I have changed 5 gallons? Sounds like a good way, is that how you do it?  
btw,
I use vending machine water treated with aquarium salt, cycle benefecial bacteria, and a water conditioner to be safe anyway.

Answer
Hi!
If you go without a filter, change all of the water completely one day a week.  Use "Stress Coat" or "AquaPlus" for a water conditioner.  do not use "Cycle"  One teaspoon of aquarium salt may be added each time you do a water change.  Fish do best in tap water, but since you now have her on bottled water, you will have to get her use to tap water slowly.  Every time you do a water change, add 1/4 tap water, until you are completely on tap water.  This may take one month to adjust.  Bottled water does not have the minerals fish need that they find in tap water.  Bottled water is sterile.  Instead of buying her bottled water, buy her a little toy that she can go through, or some new food that she might like.  Food is so important to fish.  The more you vary, the healthier she will be.
Getting back to the water... change all of the water once a week.  You could also check your water for ammonia on the 4th day, and if she does have ammonia in her water, you could change it all again, or half, and wait 3 more days, and change all of it.
Lynda