How To Change Your Betta Fish Water: 13 Steps (with Pictures)

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Change Your Betta Fish Water PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Craig Morton

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Approved

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  • Doing a Partial Water Change
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  • Doing a Full Water Change
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  • Expert Q&A
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This article was co-authored by Craig Morton. Craig Morton is the CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc. based in Huntington Beach California and servicing Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire. With over 30 years of aquarium experience, Craig specializes in creating custom aquarium designs along with aquarium installation, service, and maintenance. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 24 testimonials and 82% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 766,652 times.

One of the most important things to learn when taking care of a betta fish is how to properly change the water in its tank or bowl. Dirty containers are unhealthy and can make your betta sick, but changing its water improperly can also cause the fish harm. There are two methods for changing a betta’s water: a partial water change, and a total water change. The partial water change is usually preferable, as totally new water can shock the fish.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Doing a Partial Water Change

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  1. Step 1 Prepare the new water. 1 Prepare the new water.[1] Fill a large, clean container with fresh water. Leave your betta’s current container alone for now. Use a water conditioner (available at pet supply stores) to remove chlorine and other harmful substances from the fresh water.
    • Follow all directions provided with the water conditioner, and use the exact amount required for your tank or bowl size.
  2. Step 2 Allow the water to warm up. 2 Allow the water to warm up. Putting your betta immediately into water that is a different temperature can harm it. [2] Let the container of fresh, treated water sit at room temperature for an hour so that it will be safe and comfortable for your fish.
    • Alternatively, you can mix hot and cold water from your tap until it is the same temperature as the water in your betta’s current container.[3] If you follow this method, use an aquarium thermometer to make sure that the water in both tanks is the same temperature, and add water conditioner to the new water as instructed.
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  3. Step 3 Remove some water from your betta’s current container. 3 Remove some water from your betta’s current container. To do a partial water change, you will take some of the water from your betta’s container and replace it with some of the fresh, treated water. Using a clean scoop or something similar, remove 25 percent of the water in your betta’s current container. [4] [5] [6] [7] Leave your betta in the container as you remove the water.
    • To be precise, you can measure the water as you take it out. For instance, if you have a twenty-gallon tank, remove up to ten gallons measured using jugs or other measuring containers.
    • You can also use a siphon hose to transfer water from your betta’s container to a bucket or sink. Once the water starts flowing, move the hose so it "vacuums" the gravel at the bottom of the tank, picking up fish waste, old food, and other debris.
  4. Step 4 Refill your betta’s container. 4 Refill your betta’s container. Slowly pour fresh, treated water from the container you prepared into your betta’s current container until it reaches the previous water level.[8] [9] If the container is too heavy to lift and pour, use a clean scoop (or similar container) or siphon hose to add the water. It is fine to leave your betta in its container as you add the fresh water, but add the water slowly so that you do not disturb the fish.
  5. Step 5 Repeat water changes frequently. 5 Repeat water changes frequently. Most experts recommend changing your betta’s water at least once a week. [10] [11] If for some reason your betta’s container becomes especially dirty, however, you may need to change it more frequently.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Doing a Full Water Change

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  1. Step 1 Prepare the new water. 1 Prepare the new water.[12] Fill a large, clean container with fresh water. Leave your betta’s current container alone for now. Use a water conditioner (available at pet supply stores) to remove chlorine and other harmful substances from the fresh water.
    • Follow all directions provided with the water conditioner, and use the exact amount required for your tank or bowl size.
  2. Step 2 Let the water warm up. 2 Let the water warm up. Putting your betta immediately into water that is a different temperature can harm it.[13] Let the container of fresh, treated water sit at room temperature for an hour so that it will be safe and comfortable for your fish.
    • Alternatively, you can mix hot and cold water from your tap until it is the same temperature as the water in your betta’s current container.[14] If you follow this method, use an aquarium thermometer to make sure that the water in both tanks is the same temperature, and add water conditioner to the new water as instructed.
  3. Step 3 Transfer your betta from its container. 3 Transfer your betta from its container. Using a fish net, remove your betta from its current container to the container filled with fresh water.[15] Be very gentle when moving your fish, as its fins are very susceptible to injury.
  4. Step 4 Clean the betta’s container. 4 Clean the betta’s container.[16] Pour out the old water from your betta’s container. Gently clean the container itself, using only water and a clean, soft cloth or sponge; soaps and other products can harm your fish. Make sure to sift the tank’s gravel to remove waste, food debris, etc.
  5. Step 5 Begin filling the betta’s container. 5 Begin filling the betta’s container. Take some of the fresh water from the container your betta is currently in, and pour it into its container.[17] Pour enough so that your betta will be able to move comfortably in its container.
  6. Step 6 Transfer your betta back to its container. 6 Transfer your betta back to its container. Using a fish net, move your betta from the holding tank back to its container, now partially filled with fresh water.[18] As before, be very gentle when moving your fish.
  7. Step 7 Pour the rest of the water into your betta’s container. 7 Pour the rest of the water into your betta’s container. Take the rest of the fresh water from the holding tank and very slowly pour it into your betta’s container. If the container is too heavy to lift and pour, use a clean scoop (or similar container) or siphon hose to add the water. It is important to pour very slowly so that you do not disturb your fish.[19]
  8. Step 8 Repeat full water changes as needed. 8 Repeat full water changes as needed. Most of the time, partial water changes are all that are needed for a betta's container.[20] [21] [22] Complete a full water change, however, if the container becomes dirty all over.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question How often should I change my betta's water? Craig Morton Craig Morton Aquarium Specialist, CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc. Craig Morton is the CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc. based in Huntington Beach California and servicing Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire. With over 30 years of aquarium experience, Craig specializes in creating custom aquarium designs along with aquarium installation, service, and maintenance. Craig Morton Craig Morton Aquarium Specialist, CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc. Expert Answer I would recommend doing a partial water change once every week. For unfiltered bowls, change 30-50% of the water, and for filtered tanks, change 20-25% of the water. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 13
  • Question How do I get the bubbles out of the water? Shadow_wolf_52 Shadow_wolf_52 Community Answer You don't need to; these are a sign of happiness from your betta and are healthy. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 29 Helpful 110
  • Question Can I use tap water that is filtered? Community Answer Community Answer Not unless you also use a water conditioner. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 16 Helpful 83
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Video

Tips

  • Be slow and gentle, as being quick can shock your fish. Thanks Helpful 19 Not Helpful 0
  • Don't put sea shells in your betta's tank, as this will change the pH level and potentially harm your fish. Thanks Helpful 27 Not Helpful 2
  • Never ever tap on glass of your Betta fish tank! This could harm your fish. Thanks Helpful 33 Not Helpful 6
Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • Don't let the water get gross enough to require a complete water change! It can kill your fish, some signs are: your betta swimming sideways more or less, floating to the top of the tank or sinking to the bottom, as well as having difficulty breathing or swimming normally.
  • Don't put two Betta fish together; they could kill each other.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • When removing betta, be careful as their fins are delicate and sensitive which are prone to damage. Thanks Helpful 38 Not Helpful 5
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References

  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL_gvKZCUAo
  2. Craig Morton. Aquarium Specialist, CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc.. Expert Interview
  3. https://www.pijac.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/betta_new.pdf
  4. Craig Morton. Aquarium Specialist, CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc.. Expert Interview
  5. https://www.pijac.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/betta_new.pdf
  6. http://nippyfish.net/bettas-101/all-about-water/water-changes/
  7. http://aquariuminfo.org/betta.html
  8. http://aquariuminfo.org/betta.html
  9. https://www.pijac.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/betta_new.pdf
More References (13)
  1. Craig Morton. Aquarium Specialist, CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc.. Expert Interview
  2. https://www.pijac.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/betta_new.pdf
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL_gvKZCUAo
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL_gvKZCUAo
  5. https://www.pijac.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/betta_new.pdf
  6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL_gvKZCUAo
  7. http://faculty.etsu.edu/odonnell/2014fall/engl3130/student_essays/Betta_fish_guide.pdf
  8. http://faculty.etsu.edu/odonnell/2014fall/engl3130/student_essays/Betta_fish_guide.pdf
  9. http://faculty.etsu.edu/odonnell/2014fall/engl3130/student_essays/Betta_fish_guide.pdf
  10. http://faculty.etsu.edu/odonnell/2014fall/engl3130/student_essays/Betta_fish_guide.pdf
  11. http://faculty.etsu.edu/odonnell/2014fall/engl3130/student_essays/Betta_fish_guide.pdf
  12. http://aquariuminfo.org/betta.html
  13. https://www.pijac.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/betta_new.pdf

About This Article

Craig Morton Co-authored by: Craig Morton Aquarium Specialist, CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc. This article was co-authored by Craig Morton. Craig Morton is the CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc. based in Huntington Beach California and servicing Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire. With over 30 years of aquarium experience, Craig specializes in creating custom aquarium designs along with aquarium installation, service, and maintenance. This article has been viewed 766,652 times. 44 votes - 82% Co-authors: 44 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 766,652 Categories: Betta Article SummaryX

The best way to change your betta fish water is to replace small amounts each week rather than replace all of the water at once. Add the fresh water to a clean container, mix in a water conditioner, and let the water sit at room temperature for about an hour. Next, scoop out 25 to 50 percent of the water in your betta's tank, taking care to leave your betta inside the tank. Then, slowly pour the fresh, treated water from the container into the tank until it reaches the previous water level. To learn how to do a full water change, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Craig Morton Co-authored by: Craig Morton Aquarium Specialist, CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc. Co-authors: 44 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 766,652 82% of readers found this article helpful. 44 votes - 82% Click a star to add your vote Peggy Sesztak

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"I'm a new proud betta fish owner of a gorgeous red vailtail betta for a month now, and I have become so..." more Pea Rocks

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