changing my tank

Question
Hi Chris,

My question is, what is the right way to change my beta's water? The tank is a little over a gallon and it's been set up for nearly 6 months. Just recently my beta was sick, I couldn't really figure out what was wrong with him so I did a couple of things to help. I dissolved a little bit of salt into some of his water, and I also now keep the light on above the tank regularly instead of periodically turning it off. I read that the proper temp for a Beta is between 75-80 degrees. Ever since I did those two things he's been acting like a normal fish again. Now, here's the problem. When I change the water I change 50% of the water at a time. Because of the light on top of the tank, the water in the tank is a lot warmer than the new water that I need to put in. I know for a fact it's at least 10 degrees or more colder because when I tried to change the water this morning for the first time since I've had the light on, my beta seemed to go into shock. He frantically raced around the tank and his gills were working so hard it was as if he wasn't getting enough air. I removed him from the tank into a bowl of luke warm tap water(I know water straight from the tap is a no no, but I didn't know what else to do) and he seems to be okay now. How do I avoid this shock of temperatures? If I get a filter will I still have to change the water all the time? Do you know the easiest way to help me? I'd really appreciate it, I don't want to hurt the little guy again. Thank you.

Jenna

Answer
Hi Jenna;

Temperature shock can be deadly to your fish. The fresh new water should be the same temperature as the old water and it's actually very easy to accomplish that by mixing straight tap water with a good complete water conditioner. Mix cold/hot water right from your tap in a container, using a thermometer to get it the right temperature. Add a dose of water conditioner for the size tank you have into the fresh water in the container, mix it around for a few seconds, and gently pour the new water into the tank. Water conditioner works instantly so you don't need to let the water "sit out". It's no longer necessary with modern water conditioners. In some areas where certain chemicals are added to the water system, letting the water sit out doesn't really avoid the necessity of water conditioners anyway. The chlorine evaporates but chloramine (a chemical compound of chlorine and ammonia) doesn't. Complete water conditioners neutralize those chemicals and also provide stress relief and bind dissolved metals so they don't hurt your fish. It's good to use water conditioner even if you don't have any additives in your water.

Filters are a good thing to have but water changes still have to be made weekly. All filtered tanks need a 25% water change once a week along with gravel vacuuming. Just be sure to get a very slow-flowing filter if you decide to use one. Bettas don't like fast moving water.

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins