We review Nutrafin Betta Plus to check how it stacks up.

The manufacturer says it’s an ‘easy to use’ water conditioner that makes tap water safe for your beautiful Bettas. On top of that it coats their scales and fins to protect against scrapes and cuts.

Sounds good. Let’s find out if it meets expectations.

Nutrafin Betta Plus has extracts added to emulate the Bettas natural environment as in this picture — *the best water conditioner for bettas protects fins and scales from injury*

The Betta (also known as The Siamese Fighting Fish) is a freshwater ray finned fish, which belongs to the Gourami family. In most cases these fish are extremely colorful. They also have the ability to live in water with a low oxygen level.

But if you’re planning to keep these stunning fish in their home for any length of time they need special care and products that you should be aware of.

Betta Water Conditioner

We know tap water that we use to fill fish tanks and bowls is actually very harmful to fish unless treated. Betta’s benefit from having water conditioner tailored to their needs.

Their natural habitat is warm as Bettas are native to South East Asia. It’s important to try to provide conditions similar to those that occur in their natural habitat. Tropical almond leaf extract is added to Nutrafin Betta Plus water conditioner for this very purpose.

How does Nutrafin Betta Plus protect your Betta?

The nitty gritty of Betta Water changes

How often should water be changed?

Partially change water at least once a week. By partial, we mean 15 to 20% of water. This reduces stress for the fish, as there’s little variation in water temperature and a healthy ratio of beneficial bacteria is maintained in the water.

The night before your water change, set aside the fresh water in a container so that the temperature will match that in your Betta’s tank when added. (Cover water if you live in an area where insects are likely to drop by.)

How much water conditioner for betta fish?

Well that depends on the brand you choose as they vary. It’s a must to check and adhere strictly to the instructions on the pack. As a guide Nutrafin betta plus, for instance, is 5ml to 2l or (.5 gal).

Before adding to the tank, prepare the water that’s been standing by adding drops of water conditioner. (According to the manufacturer’s recommended dose). Mix and check water temperature with a thermometer.

What temperature should water be?

Water temperature should be kept constant between 24.5º and 26.5º. It’s helpful to check the temperature of water before adding because it reduces shock to the fish. You’ll be matching the water temp the fish has been living in.

Depending on the size of the tank, remove the quantity of water that’s being changed with a siphon or jug and very gently remove the betta and place in the water removed from the tank.

What about cleaning glass and gravel?

Don’t use soap or detergents in the tank or on accessories. The product to use is the betta enviro-clean that’s a biological cleaner that breaks down waste safely creating a healthy environment.

Betta fish tank filter

A Sponge filter is the only suitable filter. It’s gentle action doesn’t create turbulence in the water, a condition that bettas don’t tolerate. Delicate fins won’t be harmed, but a sponge filter will help filter harmful toxins and reduce the frequency of water changes.

Picture of what the recommended product looks like — *use to safely clean a betta’s tank*

The betta water conditioner should be used with every water change and once you’ve chosen a brand, stick with it.

The general perception people have is all you need to do is buy the fish from the store, fill the aquarium with water and put the fish in it. That’s simply not true.You have to

regularly clean the fish tank
maintain optimum pH levels
have the right salt and mineral content in the aquarium

Although it won’t harm people after being properly treated, tap water can prove toxic for aquatic life. For the safety of fish in the aquarium, water conditioners should always be added. It’s necessary for both freshwater as well as saltwater aquariums.