Summer is finally here and with it generally comes a more stable pH. Water treatment facilities will often do a flushing of the system in the spring causing spikes in chlorine and chloramine levels and unstable KH and pH levels. By the time summer rolls we tend to find less fluctuation in the water chemistry. Instead we are faced with the challenge of keeping our tanks from overheating and avoiding algae blooms from the extended sunlight hours.
If you are noticing more algae than usual with these longer summer days try moving your betta tank away from natural light sources like doors and windows. Remove any uneaten food or debris from the tank and increase your water changes. Nutrients from fish waste and decaying plant and food matter feed algae and can make it hard to keep at bay. Limit the light to 8 – 12 hours per day and reduce as necessary to inhibit algae growth. Monitor your water temperature daily, keeping it stable between 76 and 80 Fahrenheit.
