Betta Ph Help

[Coyote2032]

Hi, I have been lurking here for a while and have learnt a lot from the many posts here. However I am currently having some problems with my sister's fighter fish. I have tested the water and suspect the problem is related to a PH/KH fluctuation. I recently changed the water (5 days ago) and since then her fish has been acting differently (not eating as much or swimming as much) and its colours seem different. I have been away for the last few days so I only got a chance to test the water today. The current values are listed below. Prior to the last water change I think the PH was 6.4-6.5 and the KH was 7dH, however I'm not 100% sure of this because I have been overseas (someone else was changing water, etc. while I was away). Now the PH is 7.2 and the KH is > 20 (I stopped testing at this point). I have heard that even small changes in PH can be dangerous so I was wondering what I should do. Is it best just to leave the water alone and allow the fish to adjust (it has been in the same water for 5 days) or should I do a water change and try to reduce the PH a bit? I use a KH powder to raise the PH to 7.0 and the KH, although it usually only raises the PH to about 6.5 (from ~ 6.0 from the tap).

The tank has a small filter and heater, although it has been hot here recently so the tank has probably gone through some temperature fluctuation.

Tank size: 25L
pH: 7.2
ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 5ppm
kH: >20dH
gH: 10dH
tank temp: 25

Fish Symptoms (include full description including lesion, color, location, fish behavior):

* The fish is hiding a lot and not swimming as much. Its colour is also a bit dull.

Volume and Frequency of water changes:

* 5L once a month

Chemical Additives or Media in your tank:

* Rocks (inert)

Tank inhabitants:

* 1 Siamese Fighter

Recent additions to your tank (living or decoration):

* None

Exposure to chemicals:

* None

 

[DarkEntity]

Betta need entertainment, something to keep them going. They are inquisitve and generally nosey fish.

25litre is 6 Gallons roughly so you have plenty of room for planting and stuff giving him lots of stuff to swim through etc.

Are there any other fish in the tank, does he get any interaction from you or your sister? My PK loves nothing more than jumping out of the tank for food when i hang the spoon over it.

 

[Castellop123]

Supply plants, rocks ( caves ), etc... Try and change 30% of the water a week... remember to wash the filter media in aquarium water ( in a bucket from a recent water change )... give your betta a varied diet... and obviously try and keep water parameters the same...