tetra easy balance(nitraban)

Question
QUESTION: One beta in a ten gallon tank, outside the tank tetra filter there isnt any external oxygen added to the tank.The product states do not use in a low oxygen tank proper aeration is strongly recommended since it is a beta we dont add external oxygen. Can I still use the product or is it better not to ? Also does charcoal breakdown and cloud the tank when using the normal chemicls needed to maintain a beta I have had to clean the tank 3 times . Once I did not rinse the filter bag and the water really clouded up I had to clean it imediately I did not feel that the filter could remove the cloudiness.
ANSWER: Hi,
Firstly, I don't recommend using Easy Balance at all. It will do very little, and could actually be harmful. Whatever it says, you still need to do weekly water changes and gravel maintenance, as well as filter cleaning monthly. It is also not recommended for tanks smaller than 30 Gallons, so no, I don't recommend using it at all. Most things like this just don't work.
You are much better just to do a 20 - 30 percent water change once a week, gravel cleaning once every two weeks, and clean half of the filter every month. People have been doing this for years, and it is the best method of sustaining a tank.

If the filter is not working how you would expect it to, I would buy a better one. I recommend Eheim highly, they sell very good quality filters. If you do buy a new filter, move everything inside your current filter to the new one.

What do you mean by "clean the tank 3 times"? Did you remove all the water. I never recommend doing this, it is best just to do 40 percent water changes even if you think there is something clouding the water, a full 100 percent water change will not help.

If you have any more questions, please ask.

Best of luck,
Kathryn

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: yes I emptied the tank and did a total cleaning I thoroughly rinsed the gravel and put it back with clean water .How do you suggest cleaning the gravel if you mean remove it all from the tank thats a major job every two weeks .Are you suggesting putting fresh water in without treating it and if not what do you suggest treating the soft water I have before putting it in the tank

Answer
Hi again,
Never do a complete cleanout. You will lose all the beneficial bacteria in the water and filter, which could kill the fish. When I say clean the gravel, I mean, using a gravel vac, syphon some out, give it a rinse, and put back in. Unless you are converting to a completely different substrate such as sand, never take all the gravel out.
Treat the water with dechlorinator before putting it in the tank, but that should be the only chemical you put into the tank (unless the fish are ill, and you have to medicate them).

Best wishes,
Kathryn