water conditioner for betta

Question
Hi Chris, I have yet another question for you.  Currently, I am using Betta Plus bowl conditioner for making water changes (a product by Hagen).  On the bottle, all it says is "makes tap water safe for bettas" and "coats scales and fins to protect agains scrapes and cuts".  Should I be using an additional dechlorinating product, or does this take care of everything?  I also let the water sit for at least 24 hours before adding it to the tank. Is it okay to add room temperature water to a heated tank?
 
Also, how often should I be changing water, and how much water should I change?  I currently have a 5 gallon tank with a filter, and I vacuum the gravel everyday.  Thanks!  

Answer
Hi Michelle;

Betta Plus is all you really need. When a product says it makes tap water safe, that usually means it removes chlorine.

Letting the water sit out for 24 hours really offers no benefit since you are going to use a water conditioner anyway, but it doesn't hurt if you like to do that. Add a little bit of hot water to raise it to tank temperature before slowly pouring it in the tank. Use a thermometer or even just your finger to be sure. Mix the new water well before checking though. The hot water will be at the top where you check it if you don't.

If you tank has only one fish, a weekly 25% water change is fine. If there is more than one fish, do a 25% change twice a week. Remove leftover food every day and do a good vacuuming during a 25% change every 2 to 4 weeks.

Keep up the good work!

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins