Cleaning a Small Betta Bowl

lowping, originally uploaded by johndeand.

Q: Anon wrote,

What is the best way to change the water in a 2 gallon bowl? Where do you put your fish while you clean out your aquarium?

A: People have different methods for cleaning out their aquariums. Some decisions are based on the type of set up, the volume of water you're changing, the equipment you have on hand and of course, personal preference. For small bowls like your 2 gallon [7.5 liter] without a filter, full 100% water changes are best. This is how I might do it.

1. Check the exact water temperature of your water and make note of it.

2. Catch your Betta in a cup. It's advised to use a plastic cup rather then one from home. Glasses or mugs that have been washed with soap can expose the fish to residue that can be harmful. I usually keep the platic cup and lid that the fish came with and use that, rinsing it in hot water after each use. I do not suggest holding the fish in a sink. Harsh clenser residue can be dangerous... not to mention if the drain gets pulled. Yikes!

3. Drain the fish bowl and rinse the substrate several times with hot water. Use an aquarium sponge or cloth to wipe away algae or scum from the glass.

4. Give a few final rinses in cool water and then adjust the tap to meet exactly the previous water temperature. Adjust as necessary. Don't rely on your hand to guage the temperature. An aquarium thermometer is very inexpensive and can be picked up at any LFS for less than a couple of dollars.

5. Add your water conditioners and float the fish in the plastic cup (or add to fish bag if preferred) and float in the tank. Every 5 minutes or so add a little of the tank water to the bag allowing the waters to mix. After 15 to 20 minutes go ahead and release the fish back into the tank.