How To Do A Water-Change On A Small Betta Fish Bowl

While most tropical fish require an aerated aquarium to keep them healthy, there are some fish species, such as Betta fish, some gouramis, the paradise fish, and a few other species that can live in an unaerated fishbowl. Even small fish do best in a bowl that is at least half a gallon in size, or bigger. Just as it is important to keep any aquarium clean, it is even more important if you keep fish in a fishbowl, since these containers usually do not have filters and the small water volume means that contamination is more concentrated. It is especially important to clean fish bowls weekly because failing to do so can quickly result in disease and death to fish.


While cleaning the fishbowl, you will temporarily move your fish to a container filled with water taken from the fishbowl. Using this water will minimize shock to the fish.

Take some of the existing water from the fishbowl and fill a small, clean container that has never been washed with soap.

Net the fish out of the bowl and place them in this container.

Fish that normally don't jump will behave differently under stress, so your fish might try to make a break for it. Reducing the light will also help reduce stress to the fish. Place a hand towel over the container to reduce the light and keep the fish from jumping out.

Clean the Fish bowl

Remove all the decorations and place them on a clean surface or paper towels.

Place a clean strainer in the sink, then pour the water out of the bowl through the strainer, catching the gravel.

Set the bowl aside and rinse the gravel with warm water, shaking it several times to ensure all debris is washed out.

While the bowl is still damp, use paper towels to scrub the inside surfaces of the bowl. Do not use soap or other detergents.

Rinse the bowl and decorations several times with warm water.

Reassemble the Fish Bowl


All that remains is to reassemble the bowl, add the new water, and invite your fish back into their clean home.

Place the cleaned gravel in the bottom bowl, distributing it evenly over the bottom.

Arrange the decorations as desired.

Next, fill the bowl with the prepared water. Adjust the decorations if needed.

Net the fish out of their temporary container and return them to the clean fishbowl.

Use a paper towel to wipe away any water on the outside of the bowl.