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Aquarium water test vials in a rack beside a planted tank, each showing a different colour result

Betta Fish Water Quality and Parameters

Is my water actually safe?

The nitrogen cycle, water parameters and testing, explained without hand-waving. Most betta deaths are water quality problems wearing another name.

Liquid water tests beside a planted aquariumIllustrative image of aquarium water testing, shown for atmosphere. Not our own test results.Illustration

What this section covers

  • The nitrogen cycle and fishless cycling
  • Temperature, pH, GH and KH
  • Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate
  • Testing and reading results
  • Water changes
  • Tap, RO and well water
  • Troubleshooting cloudy or smelly water

Complete guides