cleaning my 7 gallon tank

[Bambithegirl]

Hi all,

I could probably just do some research on this but I always find everyone has a different opinion so I thought I would ask you, seeing as you got me through my step by step project of setting up my tank as a first timer.

I only have a betta in my tank for now, and he has been in there for a week. How often and how big a water change/clean should I do? Is it best to take him out while Im doing this or just work around him?

 

[aquandrew]

once a week, 50% should be sufficient. do you have a test kit to check nitrates? you can keep him in, just be sure to dechlorinate and match the water temperature.

 

[Bambithegirl]

Thanks Andrew. I only have ammonia and nitrite tests, I test my nitrates at the LFS. The test kits are very expensive here. What readings should I expect when having fish in the tank and how often should I be testing?

 

[aquandrew]

Thanks Andrew. I only have ammonia and nitrite tests, I test my nitrates at the LFS. The test kits are very expensive here. What readings should I expect when having fish in the tank and how often should I be testing?

no problem you want to make sure your nitrates stay under 20 ppm. once you get that test kit, test it once a week to make sure the amount of water your changing, is enough. once you get the levels on a steady routine, you will only need to check it once a month or so to make sure there isn't any nitrate build up.