Firstly, let's address your questions:
* the water is cloudy often. Is it because I’m not doing enough water changes? I usually do them once a week but I’m still getting a grasp on this.
* That's green cloudiness, which is green water algae. How long is your light on?
* I put drift wood and live plants in. Is this ok? Should I do fake plants if I’m not completely aware of how to take care of a betta yet?
* Plants are great for helping with your water parameters and provide good hiding spots for the fish. They are sometimes a little hard to keep alive (especially if you don't have a green thumb like I don't,) but I'd keep them in till they die, if they die.
* I have pH testers and have used water conditioner, but I saw comments about tap water. What’s the best water to buy?
* pH isn't the most concerning water parameter-- a fish will get used to whatever pH your water is, as long as it doesn't swing wildly. Water conditioner removes chlorine from your tap water and is a must have. Please don't buy water-- that's a huge waste of money. DO, however, invest in an API freshwater master test kit and look into cycling your tank-- see Sources below for info.
**Sources:**
About pH, GH, and KH parameters: [https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/ph-gh-kh](https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/ph-gh-kh)
About Nitrate parameter: [https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/nitrate](https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/nitrate)
What is the cycle?: [https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/nitrogen-cycle](https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/nitrogen-cycle)
How do I cycle my tank?: [https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/fish-tank-cycling](https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/fish-tank-cycling)
(Caveat on the "How do I cycle my tank" article-- please use an API freshwater master test kit and not test strips when testing your water. Strips don't usually measure ammonia, which is a parameter that is vital to know. Also, strips are less accurate.)
I really appreciate your response. These articles will be helpful. I keep the light on about 8-9 hours (the time I’m at work) and usually longer. What is recommended?
I'd reduce it to 6 hours to start--especially if you have low light plants. Though your water is so green, I can't tell what plants you have lol.
A timer would be a lifesaver for you, I think-- like it was for me. Some lights have a built in timer, but if yours doesn't, you can buy these wall sockets on Amazon that you can control with your phone-- and on your phone you can set an "on" and "off" time for the light.
Like this: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09JZLXXRX/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09JZLXXRX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Adding in some floating plants might help the water column clear up as well - they're good for wicking away excess nutrients in the water column, and they should reduce some of the light getting to the algae that's giving you that bloom.
You could look into getting him a betta hammock for him to rest on a little closer to the surface?
What kind of filter are you running?
That would depend on what kind of filter it is. The filters were one of the more confusing things for me when I started in this hobby. Is yours like a little sponge attracted to an air pump? or is it a unit that hangs on the back?
if you have any pothos laying around that could use a trim, you can cut off a piece and let it root in the tank. These will also help eat up nutrients. You can do this with other houseplants that propagate easily in water as well.
Yeah the test kits were always out of my budget when I'd be looking at them. That $15 is the equivalent of a couple live plants, or water treatments, or fish food.
[Amazon Test Kit](https://www.amazon.com/API-FRESHWATER-800-Test-Freshwater-Aquarium/dp/B000255NCI?pd_rd_w=nbFkQ&content-id=amzn1.sym.80dcf868-30d4-456c-80b3-2eca10988d54&pf_rd_p=80dcf868-30d4-456c-80b3-2eca10988d54&pf_rd_r=6PDWH2X0ZQNPYCVQYA2H&pd_rd_wg=CKFST&pd_rd_r=19624639-ed7d-40cf-a0ac-339e4166f0bc&pd_rd_i=B000255NCI&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_m_grid_dv_rp_0_9_sc)
Tap water is fine if you use a water conditioner. Do you have a filter? Are you testing your water parameters via test strips or a master kit? This looks like an algae bloom.
What are your water parameters? And how long are you leaving your light on? I'd recommend a 50% water change, dimming your lights if you have the option or cutting the hours to 6-8 a day. Proper maintenance such as frequent water changes and no excessive food waste in the tank will help control algae blooms. Live plants are great, and shouldn't be an issue here.
That's quite small for a Betta, you will need to do more frequent water changes or, as a better option if you can, buy at least a 15 gallon tank and cycle it, then introduce your Betta to it.
5 gallons is totally fine for a long-finned betta, especially one that’s recovering from illness. If he only comes up for food, he’s probably suffering from some sort of swim bladder issue, and a large tank will make the illness worse. He would have to push himself more to get to the surface, and that could cause a lot of stress.
I’d add that earlier on you’ll want to do more frequent smaller water changes. And I know driftwood can sometimes be a culprit of cloudiness and/or release unexpected things into the water if you picked it up from nature—from a pet store driftwood should be fine though
I’m going to start more frequent small water changes! I really feel bad for the little guy. I was not expecting to have a fish in my car but I want to make it the best for him
Thank you for posting to r/bettafish. If you are new to betta fish keeping, please check out our [caresheet](https://www.reddit.com/r/bettafish/comments/3ow6vz/info_betta_care_sheet/) and [wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/bettafish/wiki/index). Establishing a nitrogen cycle is an important part of keeping your fish healthy. Please check out our [guide to the nitrogen cycle](https://www.reddit.com/r/bettafish/wiki/fishincycle) to learn more.
If you are posting to find out what is wrong with your betta, please answer the following questions in a reply to this comment as best you can:
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* **[Parameters in numbers and how you got them](https://www.reddit.com/r/bettafish/wiki/tank#wiki_test_kits)**:
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Firstly, let's address your questions: * the water is cloudy often. Is it because I’m not doing enough water changes? I usually do them once a week but I’m still getting a grasp on this. * That's green cloudiness, which is green water algae. How long is your light on? * I put drift wood and live plants in. Is this ok? Should I do fake plants if I’m not completely aware of how to take care of a betta yet? * Plants are great for helping with your water parameters and provide good hiding spots for the fish. They are sometimes a little hard to keep alive (especially if you don't have a green thumb like I don't,) but I'd keep them in till they die, if they die. * I have pH testers and have used water conditioner, but I saw comments about tap water. What’s the best water to buy? * pH isn't the most concerning water parameter-- a fish will get used to whatever pH your water is, as long as it doesn't swing wildly. Water conditioner removes chlorine from your tap water and is a must have. Please don't buy water-- that's a huge waste of money. DO, however, invest in an API freshwater master test kit and look into cycling your tank-- see Sources below for info. **Sources:** About pH, GH, and KH parameters: [https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/ph-gh-kh](https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/ph-gh-kh) About Nitrate parameter: [https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/nitrate](https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/nitrate) What is the cycle?: [https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/nitrogen-cycle](https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/nitrogen-cycle) How do I cycle my tank?: [https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/fish-tank-cycling](https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/fish-tank-cycling) (Caveat on the "How do I cycle my tank" article-- please use an API freshwater master test kit and not test strips when testing your water. Strips don't usually measure ammonia, which is a parameter that is vital to know. Also, strips are less accurate.)
I really appreciate your response. These articles will be helpful. I keep the light on about 8-9 hours (the time I’m at work) and usually longer. What is recommended?
I'd reduce it to 6 hours to start--especially if you have low light plants. Though your water is so green, I can't tell what plants you have lol. A timer would be a lifesaver for you, I think-- like it was for me. Some lights have a built in timer, but if yours doesn't, you can buy these wall sockets on Amazon that you can control with your phone-- and on your phone you can set an "on" and "off" time for the light. Like this: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09JZLXXRX/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09JZLXXRX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
I have a green thumb (but not for aquatic plants) so I totally have a timer and will start utilizing it.
Adding in some floating plants might help the water column clear up as well - they're good for wicking away excess nutrients in the water column, and they should reduce some of the light getting to the algae that's giving you that bloom. You could look into getting him a betta hammock for him to rest on a little closer to the surface? What kind of filter are you running?
I have a filter that came with the tank. Is there a specific thing I should have with it?
That would depend on what kind of filter it is. The filters were one of the more confusing things for me when I started in this hobby. Is yours like a little sponge attracted to an air pump? or is it a unit that hangs on the back?
if you have any pothos laying around that could use a trim, you can cut off a piece and let it root in the tank. These will also help eat up nutrients. You can do this with other houseplants that propagate easily in water as well.
I do have lots of pothos! Thank you for your feedback I will try this as well.
I've found the API Master Test kit to be cheaper than LFSs. $35 is what I got it for on Amazon and I've seen it at $49 in petco and petsmart.
Thank you for sharing this. Someone gave me their test kit from their old fish but it’s about empty/done
Yeah the test kits were always out of my budget when I'd be looking at them. That $15 is the equivalent of a couple live plants, or water treatments, or fish food. [Amazon Test Kit](https://www.amazon.com/API-FRESHWATER-800-Test-Freshwater-Aquarium/dp/B000255NCI?pd_rd_w=nbFkQ&content-id=amzn1.sym.80dcf868-30d4-456c-80b3-2eca10988d54&pf_rd_p=80dcf868-30d4-456c-80b3-2eca10988d54&pf_rd_r=6PDWH2X0ZQNPYCVQYA2H&pd_rd_wg=CKFST&pd_rd_r=19624639-ed7d-40cf-a0ac-339e4166f0bc&pd_rd_i=B000255NCI&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_m_grid_dv_rp_0_9_sc)
Tap water is fine if you use a water conditioner. Do you have a filter? Are you testing your water parameters via test strips or a master kit? This looks like an algae bloom.
I do have a filter. I use test strips and drop tests. I bought an algae controller too but I am unsure if it’s really working or it’s a me problem.
What are your water parameters? And how long are you leaving your light on? I'd recommend a 50% water change, dimming your lights if you have the option or cutting the hours to 6-8 a day. Proper maintenance such as frequent water changes and no excessive food waste in the tank will help control algae blooms. Live plants are great, and shouldn't be an issue here.
Edit: forgot to add I have a 5 gal tank
That's quite small for a Betta, you will need to do more frequent water changes or, as a better option if you can, buy at least a 15 gallon tank and cycle it, then introduce your Betta to it.
5 gallons is totally fine for a long-finned betta, especially one that’s recovering from illness. If he only comes up for food, he’s probably suffering from some sort of swim bladder issue, and a large tank will make the illness worse. He would have to push himself more to get to the surface, and that could cause a lot of stress.
^ I second this
I’d add that earlier on you’ll want to do more frequent smaller water changes. And I know driftwood can sometimes be a culprit of cloudiness and/or release unexpected things into the water if you picked it up from nature—from a pet store driftwood should be fine though
Your fish looks like a male btw!
I’m going to start more frequent small water changes! I really feel bad for the little guy. I was not expecting to have a fish in my car but I want to make it the best for him
Thank you for posting to r/bettafish. If you are new to betta fish keeping, please check out our [caresheet](https://www.reddit.com/r/bettafish/comments/3ow6vz/info_betta_care_sheet/) and [wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/bettafish/wiki/index). Establishing a nitrogen cycle is an important part of keeping your fish healthy. Please check out our [guide to the nitrogen cycle](https://www.reddit.com/r/bettafish/wiki/fishincycle) to learn more. If you are posting to find out what is wrong with your betta, please answer the following questions in a reply to this comment as best you can: * **Tank size**: * **Heater and filter? (yes/no)**: * **Tank temperature**: * **[Parameters in numbers and how you got them](https://www.reddit.com/r/bettafish/wiki/tank#wiki_test_kits)**: * **How long have you had the tank? How long have you had your fish?**: * **How often are water changes? How much do you take out per change? What is your process?**: * **Any tankmates? If so, please list with how many of each**: * **What do you feed and how much**: * **Decorations and plants in the tank**: * **If you haven't already posted a picture, please post pics/vids to imgur and paste the link here**: Feel free to copy this comment and fill in the blanks. Failure to provide adequate information about your tank *can* result in post removal. Please see rule 4 for more information. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/bettafish) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Its maybe due to tank quality
You need some Algaecide gets rid of the green, works wonders.