A Study of Some Effects of Water Chemistry on Growth of Betta splendens

Experimental (varying water chemistry) and Control (constant water chemistry) quart jars· containing single specimens of the fish were tested over an eighteen-week period. Organisms were weighed before and after this period to determine net growth, possibly associated with changes in the ecosystems. Alkalinity, carbon dioxide, dissolved oxygen, total hardness, nitrates, nitrites, pH, and bacteriological parameters were tested. Statistical analyses revealed that chemical parameters exist correlated with particular light levels. Changes in water chemistry could not be correlated with growth. Information obtained suggests light may affect growth of inhabiting Bettas but more information is needed to confirm this. Certain chemical parameters appeared to be required for visible algal blooms to appear. These blooms were found only in experimental containers receiving maximum light. They were preceded by increasing alkalinity and carbon dioxide levels