My sons Betta

Question
I change and clean my sons betta tank at least two or three times a week. On the top of the water it looks like "cotton" as he said it was - when I looked it looks like two globs of dense spit. I am changing the water again today but I am uneducated on bettas. I myself have african cichlids.

Answer
Hi Regina,

Don't worry too much - if you can keep African Cichlids, you can most certainly keep a Betta, with your eyes closed, and hands tied behind your back. Bettas are probably the easiest fish to keep. They are undemanding, hardy, and tolerant to many beginner's mistakes.

As long as the cottony/spit residue is not on the Betta itself, it's not a problem. Just change 20% of the water every week. There's no need to completely clean out the tank, or change more than 30% of the water.

If you see cottony growths on the betta itself, it may be a fungal infection. Usually fungal infections affect only stressed fish. you can treat it with and anti-fungal medication. Remember, there's no need to use medication unless the growth is on the fish itself.

If your Betta develops symptoms of disease, don't hesitate to ask me again!

Good Luck, and Happy FIshkeeping!