bett tank

Question
I have a sucker fish and a snail residing in the same tank as my betta.  They seem to help keep my tank cleaner.  As the tank is cleaner I don't change the water that often... I just add to it once in a while.  The question is... should I be changing the water more often?  My beta Taylor seems fine... and swims to the surface for me to feed him.  I just want to make sure that I am not doing something harmful to him.  Oh... the tank has a air bubbler in it.  I keep the light on 24/7 so the water is warm.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Leslie,

It is great to hear that Taylor is doing well, although there are a few things that you could do that could make him a bit happier.

Firstly, I wouldn't recommend leaving the light on all day and night. Bettas, snails and sucker fish have 'body clocks' just like humans and they need a set time of sleep, at least six hours. Cheap heaters can be purchased to keep your tank at an optimal temperature of 79-82 degrees fahrenheit. Small tanks (under 10 gallons) only need a 25w heater.

Also, if you are changing the water less than once a week, then you should try to change 50% of it weekly. Snails and suckers do not eat solid fish waste (poo) and that stays rotting in the tank. 50% weekly water changes will keep your water sparkling and your fish healthy.

Hope this helps!

Prue