How to clean a betta bowl
Now that you have established your betta bowl it is time to learn how to maintain it. You should follow the steps below once a week to keep your betta happy and healthy.
Step 1:
Purchase non-refrigerated drinking water. Drinking water is free of all contaminants including chlorine, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemicals. It is so pure that I recommend this over using tap water that is prepared with a water conditioning treatment. If you would prefer to use tap water, fill a pitcher at least one hour prior to doing the water change. This will give the water time to reach room temperature. If the water you use is colder or warmer than lukewarm you must wait at least 3 hours to reach the safe temperature.
Step 2:
Fill a glass or original betta cup with the current tank water and carefully place your Betta within the temporary housing. This is when it proves important to own a fish net. Using a net to transfer your betta fish will prevent any possible bodily harm that could occur to your fish during the process. A fish net is also the quickest way to capture your beta which avoids stress as well as your own impatience.
Step 3:
Remove any ornaments and decorations including plants and rinse them thoroughly in hot water. Place them to dry on a towel. When the accessories dry out any algae organisms still living will die due to a lack of moisture.
Step 4:
Empty the rest of the bowl leaving just the gravel at the bottom. Place the bowl under the sink and let the water continually pour in while you swish your hand around to wipe the sides of the tank and rinse the gravel. Drain excess water.
Step 5:
Refill the bowl with the purchased drinking water or prepared tap water and wait about five minutes for everything to settle. If you are using tap water you may now add your water conditioning treatment of choice to remove any elements that could harm your betta fish.
Finish:
Return any ornaments or plants to the bowl. Then cautiously return your betta fish to its home.
Tip: Do not use soap or other cleaning products in your bowl!! If you have an algae problem you can soak any ornaments and fake plants in a mixture of bleach and hot water. Make sure to rinse thoroughly. Any bleach residue will not harm the fish but can cause fading in his own coloring.
Now you can keep up regular maintenance with your new knowledge on how to clean a betta bowl.
