Water parameters describe the general conditions and compounds of your water. When your betta is sick, for instance, one of the first things you should look at (after his symptoms) are the water parameters. It’s necessary to observe the parameters regularly. To do this you will be required to purchase some test kits that, through a simple procedure, will tell you the compound concentrations of your water. Many fish stores will test your water for you for free when you bring them a sample. Some of these tests will be checked daily, some every couple of days and others weekly. There are many water conditions and substances found in aquariums but we are only going to talk about those that commonly affect the health of our bettas. Temperature: Using an aquarium thermometer, check that the water temperature is in a safe range and stable daily. Ammonia (NH3, NH4): Ammonia is caused by fish waste in the form of feces and urine as well as decomposing food and plant matter. It is extremely toxic to fish, especially bettas.

Prolonged exposure to even small amounts of ammonia (<.25 ppm) over time can cause irreparable damage to a bettas gills causing gill burning, weakening of the immune system, fin damage and death. Ammonia poisoning is worsened by alkaline water (pH above 7.0). To avoid ammonia poisoning fully cycle your tank before adding bettas. In an uncycled tank, 100% water changes must be performed before any ammonia becomes present. It also helps to take out any uneaten food or decaying plant matter before it converts to ammonia. For more about how pH effects the toxicity of ammonia visit pH and Ammonia. Nitrite (NO2): Autotrophic bacteria consume ammonia and give off Nitrite as a waste product. Nitrite, though slightly less toxic then ammonia, is still very dangerous to aquarium fish. It is an intermediate compound that is formed after ammonia becomes present in the water and before other bacteria are able to consume it. It becomes present when aquariums are going through the Nitrogen Cycle.

To avoid (NO2) poisoning, fully cycle your tank before adding bettas. If you choose not to cycle your tank it’s best to not use a filter. Filter media house nitrifying bacteria, which introduce nitrite to your tank.betta fish tank preparation Nitrate (NO3-N, NO3-): Nitrates are the byproduct of the bacteria that consumes nitrite. online fish tank gameIt is less toxic to bettas and most other aquarium fish. betta fish tank indiaTo keep nitrates under control it is necessary to do partial water changes once a week. betta fish tank peace lilyUsually, changing 20% of the water is sufficient. betta fish tank sale

It’s still important to test for nitrates weekly to make sure the concentrations are staying in the healthy range (about 20-30 ppm on the high end, less then 20 is better). pH: You tank water contains acids and bases (alkalinity) which effect your fish. betta fish tank screensaverThese acids and bases are measured using a number scale. betta fish tank suppliesIf your water has an equal amount of acids to bases it is neutral and the number given to a neutral pH is 7.0. betta fish tank water filmIf you water is more acidic the number is less then 7.0. betta fish tank standIf it’s more alkaline, it is greater then 7.0. betta fish tank too cold

Most aquarium fish thrive in a neutral pH, though there are some exceptions. It’s extremely important to test your water’s pH to make sure it is stable and in a safe range. betta fish tank water heaterA rapid decrease in pH can cause sudden death to your fish and a rise in pH causes toxins like ammonia and nitrite to become even more dangerous. best filter for a betta fish tankA general rule of thumb is not to allow your pH to fluctuate more then 0.2 in 24 hours. what is the best betta fish tank Gh: (General Hardness): General Hardness is the term used when describing “hard water” or “soft water.” makan di lembang bandung

The hardness measures the amount of calcium and magnesium dissolved in you water. Bettas can easily tolerate a range of gh, but other fish may be more demanding. Kh: (Carbonate Hardness): KH is also known as buffering capacity. buy glass fish tanks onlineThe kh measures the amount of carbonate (CO3–) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) dissolved in your water. a glass fish tank is to be constructedThe kh becomes especially important when it is low. glass fish tank outsideWith proper kh your water is able to “buffer”, which keeps your pH stable. glass fish tank saleWhen your buffering capacity is low, you water can no longer keep your pH stable and you may experience a rapid drop in pH. glass fish tank india