[warblrwatchr]

I have a 3 week old 20 gallon freshwater tank; it houses 1 betta

1. I woke this morning to find fungus growing on the heater(no fungus on the fish), any idea why?

2.water changes: I'm thinking of filling a pail with water, treating it(Start Right & a bacteria supplement) and let it sit a day or so to get to room temperature. Fill some zip-lock bags with the water and float them to equalize the temp. Any reason why not?

3. Live Plants; since I only have the one fish what should I use to feed them? Right now I have plastic.

Advice welcome

 

[fish monger]

Not sure why fungus would develop on the heater, but you could just clean it in warm salt water.

It's always best to know your water parameters before treating. Do you know yours ? Is there a reason you can't just get water at the proper temperature directly from the tap ?

Using a comprehensive plant supplement according to directions is the best way to start.

 

[AbbeysDad]

Generally speaking all of the water conditioners (like Start Right) are very quick acting to neutralize chlorine/chloramine so you should not have to wait so you should be able to draw tap water of the near proper temperature. (This assumes your source water is good to use).
I have to filter and store water at room temperature so I use a few inexpensive submersible heaters for the 5g buckets.

I agree with the previous post regarding cleaning the heater and using a fertilizer like Seachem Flourish Comprehensive as needed.

I have a 3 week old 20 gallon freshwater tank; it houses 1 betta

1. I woke this morning to find fungus growing on the heater(no fungus on the fish), any idea why?

2.water changes: I'm thinking of filling a pail with water, treating it(Start Right & a bacteria supplement) and let it sit a day or so to get to room temperature. Fill some zip-lock bags with the water and float them to equalize the temp. Any reason why not?

3. Live Plants; since I only have the one fish what should I use to feed them? Right now I have plastic.

Advice welcome

 

[Byron]

I'm wondering if the "fungus" on the heater may be algae? What colour is it?

Agree with others on water changes, there is probably no need to store water, etc. Assuming you are on a public water supply, a good conditioner will be sufficient with tap water in most cases.

Live plants are a great benefit. Floating plants are especially good with betta, something like Water Sprite. We have plant profiles in the Reference Material area with photos. A good complete liquid fertilizer is all you need (plus a decent light of course). Floruish Comprehensive Supplement is what many of us use.

Byron.

 

[warblrwatchr]

thanks everyone; the fungus was white; I cleaned it but didn't use salt so if it returns I'll do that. I'll get a floating thermometer so I can get the water close to 78.4