betta fish water

Question
i've been doing water changes for my betta fish and yesterday i did a complete change and now the water is clear. i dont know why but its like the water is thick...like sticking your hand in jello before its done...i just changed the water friday and i did a 50 % water change sat what is causing this weird water..? he is in a fish bowl and i add chlor out to his water..i've been using bottled water lately


Answer
Hi Sharay.  I've never heard of anything like this, and ewwww!!  If I would have to venture a guess, I would say it has something to do with the bottled water.  I wouldn't recommend using it, it's missing important vitamins and minerals that regular tap water has.  You don't say whether your Betta is in a filtered or unfiltered tank or bowl.  If he's not in anything filtered, you REALLY have to do a weekly water change of 100%.  These guys can take it being totally changed out weekly and actually thrive when you do (again, if no filter).  It is even recommended in most websites.  As far as the "gook".  What types of ornaments (plastic decorations, other decorations, live plants, etc.) do you have in the tank?  If nothing, and if it's just started since the bottled water, I would say it IS the bottled water mixing with the dechlorinator somehow.

Try using water from the tap with your regular dechlorinator and change ALL of his water weekly, and see if this fixes the problem.  If it does (which I think it will), let me know please!  If it does not, get back to me also and let me know, and I'll do some research and contact my water expert and see if he has any ideas. In the meantime, if you see it starting to get mucky and thick, change it right away!  Do not let your fish sit in water like that.

Good luck!!