Betta Fish Care in 10 Steps, Fool Proof
Betta 10 years ago 149,478 views
http://amzn.to/2AY4Buj - This Food is the best Betta food you can buy. Spend a couple extra dollars on a quality brand. Here is a link to amazon Omega One Betta Buffet: http://amzn.to/2AY4Buj I'm a betta fish nerd and this is my blog is on taking care of betta fish. I go over 10 steps on caring for these fish. It's really simple to take care of them actually. I really enjoy these fish! I would also like to add some disclaimer notes here that some of the stuff is only aimed at total beginners. I do understand that the mail beta fish can be kept with other species of fish.. but as far as beginners I want to keep this totally out of the spectrum because this is not an aspect for beginners to be thinking about. I don't want people killing fish because it is already happening. So consider this guide to be aimed towards only total newbies to keeping Betta fish. Anyway, I don't really have time for all the negative comments that people are sharing here and just ripping me apart. I'm simply trying to do a good thing by helping new fish keepers take care of their new fish. If you have a problem with my video just turn it off and move on without giving me your nasty opinion. There may come a time where comments will be disabled if it continues. I never would've thought that there was an so much success with one video but so much negative commenting. https://youtu.be/qHVOpgFsqQo I will say that the added benefit I've been giving to people is by far a greater margin then the negative comments though so I will continue to be making videos on helping new fish keepers. I somewhat enjoy making these videos and I do have another channel if you want to subscribe. I usually also try to add a good website that you should visit or to find more information that's valuable on the topic of the video. Taking care of Betta fish is one of my all time favorites though. Tank Size for Betta Fish? Aquarium Size https://youtu.be/9JzBG4PFpMo *Update - The website that I have posted in the description box here is actually my blog that I built. A friend of mine does web design any help me through it together to kind of give up small community for us beta fish enthusiasts to go hang out at. So if you want to take a visit just jump on that link and it will forward you to my blog. And you also have to consider that a lot of these videos on my previous channel are super old so you can't be too judgmental because I was a lot younger then and some my videos have kind of gone out of date. Even though a lot of this stuff I'm taking care of fish never changes but some of it is a little outdated as far as video quality and so forth. I was taking pictures the day before yesterday and thought I saw a fin in that hole but it was positioned towards the back and when I looked again I saw nothing. But seeing that a fish is actually in said hole I think it had to have been this fish. Okay he swam out. False alarm I guess. Thank god because idk how I would have gotten him out. I guess he likes to hide there and just happened to be there the other night. His tank is so clean now..just waiting for my tannins to come back. Also did work on my crab tank..and right I'd share their dinner with you tonight. They have river shrimp..left over brine shrimp from my fish..honey..green sand..bee pollen..chia..fresh pear..that goes straight in the sub for my isopods also..dried banana chips..and raw chicken Depends what you mean by spotted pleco lol. But yeah should be fine. I’d just get one gourami. It can work but the ones you listed are the same species, just different color forms, and all of the colorful ones are males. They typically won’t get a long but if it’s a heavily planted tank with lots of natural division it could work to House multiple males. I wouldn’t get just two giant danio though they get rather large for a 55 as far as schooling fish go might make it look a bit crowded. Always trial and error. Works for one doesn't work for the other. If you have a good lfs ask them what trade in policies they have. Happy fish keeping. Oh and plants if you get jungle val or wendtii (spell check) just get one bunch they multiple fast. Also what substrate will you get. Giant danios need a school of at least 4 in my opinion and they most definitely would eat the leopard danios lol giant danios get to 4 inches long and sometimes 6 but most commonly 4 inches. well they are very fun to watch and a 55 is their absolute minimum tank size but if you do decide to get them they are really easy to breed I keep finding fry in my filter 😂 have you used aqua advisor for stocking? It could help tell you how stocked your tank would be with and without the giant danios. They don’t have much of a bio load just they eat small things. No I have no idea what that is. Yea I heard they were really active and great schoolers. Which the kids would enjoy. But if I got those then we wouldn't be able to get the angel fish. Which the kids already said they wanted.
10. comment for Betta Fish Care in 10 Steps, Fool Proof
20. comment for Betta Fish Care in 10 Steps, Fool Proof
Maybe you should do your research before treating things like fact lmao
30. comment for Betta Fish Care in 10 Steps, Fool Proof
2. Yes, always condition
3. If you want a community tank with male, it's possible but you have to find an easy going one, you can find this out when you're at the store you two bettas next to each other and see if they flare at each other. Also best bet is not a really flashy fish will long flourishing tails.Tetras, Mollys, and small breed plecos are great to keep with bettas. My guess is this guy found the most aggressive betta or tried to keep it with flashy fish.
4. The food is only a problem if you don't clean your tank. Over feeding only causes build up of ammonia from the food rotting. The fish will stop eating when it's full, it's not going to eat itself to death. Good rule of thumb is, however much they will eat in a two minute span which is usually more than 1 pellet...
5. You say they're carnivores (which is true) and then later on go on to say how you feed them peas....Betta like pellets just fine but look for the ones that are made with actual fish and shrimp not fish meal, they are out there.
6. Heater, yes always but, 76-82.
7. If you don't have a filter, chances are you will need to change the water DAILY for a long time. A sponge filter is a great filter for betta and it's also cheap and easy and holds good bacteria. the problem with most filters is the current the filter causes because betta are not good swimmers, this guy is an idiot.
8. 40% ever week is good, if your tank is cycled, something he never talks about and apparently knows nothing about it. You can not get away with never doing a full water change though, you have to do it at least once a month, every 2 month if you're really pushing it.
9. He's basically saying he enjoys making his betta upset and flare, which causes stress because they think it's a rival, this guy is a dick.
10. See #5 says they don't like it but will eat it which goes against what he said about pellet food. "They wont eat it because they don't like it"
while i have always had my betta with other chill schooling fish (like Harleys)
"I have had my betta since January of this year. His name is Mercutio, and he is a delta tail. He is currently living in a 6.25 gallon tank with a filter. I do weekly partial water changes and monthly full tank changes. I also change the filter once a month. I have been going to school in Illinois and recently returned home to Michigan for the summer. Prior to leaving, Mercutio ripped his fins, so I did daily water changes and added salt to his tank. Since I’ve been home, I can’t seem to get him back to normal. I am currently doing every-other day water changes with salt. This has been going on for a while. I don’t want him to become immune to the salt, but I am not sure what else to use. Every time his fins heal, he tears them again. I don’t know if he is stressed out, or if I am doing something wrong, or if is he is sick. And now he has a spot on his side that looks like he is missing some of his scales. I am not sure how to help him. Any advise?"
Now, the spot is starting to look puffy, and I wonder if it is infected. Do you have any idea what I should do? A friend of mine thought it was ick, but it's not little dots everywhere. It's one huge spot on his side that won't get better.
50. comment for Betta Fish Care in 10 Steps, Fool Proof
had no idea that I was going to get him
So scared that I want be a good owner
Please comment any suggestions
100. comment for Betta Fish Care in 10 Steps, Fool Proof
Just to add the stomach of the average Betta is the size of their eye, so they don't eat much, certainly nothing as large as a fish.
i have something most pet owners get when they buy a pet. it's called instinct. me and my instinct keep betta fish alive for 5-6 years. oldest one i've owned: almost 7 years. Everyone who feels bad after watching this video, please listen to something: Instinct over this guy.
( I am not saying your betta has to live for 6 years for you to be a good owner. if you feel like your betta is Happy, then your doing your job as an owner.
The reason they don't like "ripples" (more accurately a strong water current) is because they're not very good swimmers. Partially due to their natural habitat–which was already mentioned–and partially due to the fact that Betta Splendens have been bred by humans for large decorative fins which are more for looks than actual swimming ability.
Thanks for saving it from the store :)
At that size you can add a couple companion fish - they tend to get along well with freshwater snails (like Mystery Snails) and Corys, but they do have differing personalities. Some get along well with other fish, others don't.
I also have a website that wikipedia links to on betta fish. Come on over to the facebook group and we can talk betta fish.. lol
Also 90% water changes are fine, unless, you use a water buffer to treat your water. if you do, they may have not adjusted to your water, if you don't and your fish are fine, they should be fine
btw your like fish ALOT
90% changes are okay, lots don't recommend it, but I do weekly 100% changes for 6 of my 9 tanks. My fish are wonderfully healthy and have never had diseases [can't say the same for the tanks I haven't done 100%s on).
Also, Betta fish are carnivores. The pea trick originates from goldfish, and will damage their organs as it will have a harder time processing it.
I do find you're too opinionated and somewhat arrogant. You're not 'Betta God' or anything, lots of people, including myself, are more educated. Also, pellets aren't crap. There's many nutritious and good pellets out there that Bettas love. Omega One and NLS are wonderful brands.
You really need to watch how you speak, it's almost as if you're speaking down to us.
The way you're speaking is as if you're trying to talk to toddlers. And it depends on the tank size for water changing, you can't just list one solid percentage.
I am the owner of "Betta Fish Keepers" facebook group and almost have 10K members. You should come join
My betta fish has lived with selective breeds of fish for years.
Right now i even have a small angelfish, which is very risky, but if done correctly can be achieved depending on personality.
Please, please help!
Thanks, Sarah. I did hours of researches and decided to cycle the tank with pure ammonia. I'd love to do it with plants, but I need to "speed up" the process a little since I'm upgrading his home from a 3-gallons to a 10-gallons tank. Thanks for the link!
I have a rescued Betta now that's doing very well. When I 1st got him he didn't have any color at all. 3 weeks later he is starting to look red. :) He has some fin wilt on the top fin and bottom. Sometimes he scraps up against the bamboo in his tank around the gill section but shows no others signs of permanent damage. He is hungry all the time but I think that's because he was nearly dead when I saved him. He could be trying to catch up.
I name them by their colors or actions.
Thanks.
His colors haven't gotten brighter yet because he still has a long way to go before he is completely healthy.
Keep me posted on yours too. :)
I saw his gills move and I couldn't believe he was still alive in DARK brown water only 3 ounces in the cup. I am surprised it lived all the way home.
Its white but show some signs of color and is getting strong enough to eat tiny fish flakes.
He almost looks white and yellow with light blue tie dye. :)
The other Betta I saved is doing great. I might do a video so I can share.
I would like to see yours too. :)
You do not treat other tropical fish like gold fish (small bowel, no heater, no filter) why treat a Betta like a carp? I use ten gallon tank, under gravel filter. Silk plants, heater. Just like a real tropical fish. Surprise he is a real tropical fish.
I am glad your over crowded small vase betta lived a year or two. Would he still be alive today if you treated him mo-betta.
PLEASE HELP ME!!
Some bettas though, aren't super aggressive.
Apparently I failed to clarify what I wanted to say in my previous comment.
I tried to say I never quote nor do I see any point in arbitrary "minimums" be it 5 gallons, 2.5 gal., 1 gal., or any other. I feel anyone with the knowledge to do so can keep their betta(s) in whatever size tank suits their needs.
As for "reading their minds" I pointed out that I do not know if a Betta actually experiences anything resembling human emotions of distress or boredom in small containers if the water quality is maintained. My guess would be they most likely do not, since breeders jar bettas at young and critical stages and they do well.
I don't find it difficult to tell what foods a fish likes best or doesn't like however, most are not subtle about food preferences.
I'm not being condescending, you just don't actually understand what I'm saying at all. I do appreciate that you are willing to try however.
My point here is that too much emphasis is put on tank size, which really doesn't matter since with a good basic knowledge of fish keeping anyone can keep a Betta alive and healthy in virtually any size tank. I honestly don't know if a Betta in a small container experiences anything resembling boredom or unhappiness if the water quality is good. Most aquarists don't elect to keep Bettas in small tanks mainly because a fish in only a gallon or two of water requires extra maintenance and is pretty uninteresting in return. Those in the hobby are usually fascinated by fish and their behaviors and know the more room you can give them the more naturally they behave. Getting the largest tanks possible / affordable is usually the goal.
Conversely, potential Betta owners are always interested in knowing "the smallest acceptable tank size" - undoubtedly the most frequently asked and answered question about this fish. I never answer that question and don't know why anyone else does. The question is somewhat understandable in regards to large fish like Oscars or Discus, but just plain ignorant and sad when asked about a fish as small as a Betta.
If someone can't be bothered learning the basics of maintaining tropical fish before purchasing one, the difference between 1 gallon or 2.5 gallon is ultimately meaningless since the fish is not likely to do well. It may survive a bit longer in the greater water volume, but I don't necessarily see that as a plus for the fish.
I know many folks love their Bettas. They spend money on special food, toys, water conditioners, and god knows what else. Their Bettas have names. None of this popularity has done Bettas a damn bit of good. Fish don't need names and people inclined to give fish names often have very little idea what they really do need.
If people don't have "room" for an actual fish tank, they simply shouldn't buy a fish. What is so hard to understand? The mass mistreatment of this species is directly the result of your type of attitude and justification, namely: even if you aren't willing or "can't" do it right, a Betta is one fish that will survive in substandard conditions so if you want one go ahead and buy one for your desk or your kid's dresser anyway.
If by "balanced" you mean cycled, you are wrong. Any size tank can be cycled, there is no 5 gallon limit. Most people buying Bettas simply don't bother learning how or doing it. Also, some believe fish are better off in uncycled tanks with frequent water changes, and in some cases that is true. Water is naturally full of bacteria which is necessary and not a problem. Uncycled tanks build up ammonia and/or nitrites, not bacteria.
No, it's exactly the equivalent of a BETTA FISH living in a one gallon container all it's life. You cannot compare humans to a fish anymore than you can compare a fish to spotted hyenas - they are two completely different species that experience and relate to their environment in completely different ways.
If a one gallon is a "small car" then your smallest acceptable 2.5 gallon is what, a minivan at best? Does that sound like a huge improvement to you? It only makes a five gallon maybe a stretch limo? Want to live your entire life in a limo? What happened to it being like a person living in a closet or in a port-a-potty?
Making up new ones doesn't make it any less silly, less wildly anthropomorphic or even remotely accurate.
BTW- who exactly puts out these "smallest acceptable" container size figures for Bettas anyway? How did they arrive at 2.5 gal. and what was the criteria for establishing that as the the minimum size "acceptable"? Acceptable to who? Why? What happens differently to the fish in 2 gallons of water? I've heard everything from .5 to 20 gallons quoted as the "absolute minimum for Bettas" - they can't all be correct.
Animal Planets pet care page is just plain wrong, and by "we" your psychology class was referring to HUMAN BEINGS not fish. You need to take another basic course about the dangers and errors inherent in anthropomorphic thinking and conclusions. If Animal Planet were correct, then male bettas are basically "comfortable, healthy and happy" in the tiniest of crud filled containers since breeding age males will routinely blow nests in them. Fish are strongly driven to reproduce which often takes precedence over survival of the individual, species survival is dependent upon it.
BTW - since you are obviously confused, Animal Planet is an ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION not an institute of higher learning.
Zebra Danios are a very active fish, Betta Splendens most definitely are not. In a well planted still water tank with plenty of surface vegetation a normal Betta will spend a great deal of time "at the top doing nothing" - a completely normal behavior for the species which has absolutely nothing to do with water quality or 'happiness'.
Thank you so much for being so kind in your reply. Every time someone replies to me about beta fish care they act like I'm the stupidest girl in the world or just in a rude or condescending manner. But I totally agree with you. Those comments I said about pellets before was just... I don't know. I know they aren't very good for bettas in general. I just thought that as long as they don't kill the fish, it is OK to feed it to them, though they aren't the best diet, which I understand.
Also you shoudl feed your fish at least 3 different types of foods, such as Brine shrimp, Boodworms, Mosquito Larvae, Maggots, Microworms, White worms, Fruit Flies, Cooked Egg Yolk, Beef Heart, Rinced and chopped Worms from your composte... the list is never ending. THe first sugestions are teh most common one and can be found in a local fish shop in Frozen version easily. The thing they all share is that they are well balanced food that your betta would catch and eat in the wild and as long as you do NOT overfeed your betta wont get constipated from this typ of food sources.
Yes constipaton happens some time on Bloodworms due to overfeeding, give your betta one day without food after it had a bloodworm and you will lower teh risk of constipation, same goes for very rich food as Beef Heart or other more fatty foods.
Hi, there really is no one site or book I can recommend. If you haven't any previous experience with tropical fish the best place to start would be to learn about the nitrogen cycle. Since you were unexpectedly gifted this fish you will at least for a while have to maintain it in an uncycled tank. That just means changing the water all the time, you can't really do it too often as long as you match PH and temp. After researching the pros and cons you can decide whether you wish to keep the fish in a cycled or uncycled aquarium. That decision will have a bearing on the size tank you use as well as whether you add other inhabitants. Bettas require warm relatively still water, surface plants (live or artificial) to rest on, and a carnivorous diet. In my opinion, male Bettas are best kept by themselves. Their tendency to interact with other fish or snails is not because they consider them 'friends' as many like to think. Male bettas try to set up a small territory where they can blow a nest and wait for a female. They attempt to drive away other fish and snails since both will eat the eggs. The inherited strength of the instinct is probably why some male bettas actually kill snails and/or other fish outright while others only chase or "play" with them. Either way, he really doesn't want them around.
Good luck with your fish. As I have said, read all you can on tropical fish keeping in general. Don't get too caught up in all the Betta "facts" you may hear - many of them are nonsense. Bettas are tropical fish with a couple of specific preferences like any species will have. Something doesn't have to be labeled 'for bettas' to use it, any tropical fish products are generally fine. Online Betta forums are IMO easily the worst sources of information - I would steer clear at least at first.
I disagree with you and explained the reasons why I disagree. It's a shame you consider a different opinion a "rant".
I'm curious as to who you think has done any valid research on the long term effects on bettas of feeding pellets - of which there are dozens of brands made by as many different companies, using different formulas, and containing widely different ingredients. Some of them are virtually vegetarian, with most of the protein from soy. What makes you believe any are a good or even safe diet? Why is it bettas have so many digestive problems that regularly feeding them peeled peas to avoid or combat bloat and constipation has become standard practice? Why do almost all pet bettas that live more than a few months still end up dying prematurely, and when examined most seemed to have died from obesity fueled liver and organ changes?
Nowhere on the label of a betta pellet will you see the "complete and balanced for all life stages" assurance that is required for dog and cat foods. The food's form - an air filled dry pellet - could hardly be worse. Freshwater fish don't drink so swallowed dry food absorbs water from inside the fish- nothing a Betta would naturally eat would do that. Natural prey and plant matter contain a high percentage of water, about the same as the betta's body.
Betta pellets aren't "made especially for" bettas they are made especially for betta owners convenience and manufacturers (obscene) profit.
Yes, they will "fight" with their own reflection, that's why it's good for them both mentally and physically to allow them to go at it for 10 - 15 minutes a couple times a day. I've yet to see even a fighting strain Betta actually HURT ITSELF by attacking it's reflection or even another Betta on the other side of a glass pane. I've more than once forgotten to replace a divider after a session - the two males are always tired and pouting, but none is ever injured or traumatized or dead! Fighting males are trying to BITE the other fish, not use themselves as a battering ram.
No, it doesn't depend on the aggressiveness of the fish and no they don't hurt themselves by "ramming" the glass.
If you know what a dictionary is, look up the meaning of 'sarcasm'. Bettas don't "kill themselves" if shown a mirror - not "by hitting the glass too hard" or any other way. Breeders raising multiple fish place dividers between the tanks and will remove those dividers twice a day to allow the fish to spar and flare at each other. It is essential exercise both physically and mentally. Pet bettas SHOULD have a mirror placed against the tank for short periods once or twice a day (10 - 15 minutes) in order to stimulate them. No Betta has ever been killed by it's reflection. Many die from lack of exercise combined with poor diet (pellets). Few pet Bettas ever live a normal lifespan or die of old age.
Some wild Bettas do live in rice paddies, but wild populations also inhabit lakes, ponds, streams, drainage ditches, rivers, canals, flood plains, polluted waters, peat swamps and have even been found in brackish water. In other words, betta fish are found in all types of water environments, large and small, throughout their range. Why is "Bettas live in rice paddies" mindlessly repeated? Wild guppies live in large natural bodies of water too but no one mentions it. Probably because everyone knows fancy guppies don't exist in the wild. Ornamental bettas don't either. Both are man-made forms incapable of surviving a wild environment. That doesn't mean either species should ever be mistreated, it simply means the rice paddy argument is both inaccurate and fairly pointless. Chanting the 'survive vs thrive' catch-phrase also needs be put to rest. BTW, anyone that considers betta splendens a very "active" fish is either delusional or has never actually owned an active species. Bettas are easily one of the least active commonly kept aquarium fish, it is a big part of their charm. They market HAMMOCKS for them for heaven's sake! Breeding age males tend to blow a nest, settle in and defend the space around it- they are not at all inclined to go exploring.
Sorry to break it to you, but all Bettas are going to die irrespective of tank type....
I heard you say 3, but i didn't know if that was exact.
is it ok to sit there and place males beside each other or a mirror there for your entertainment. its like locking a dog up in a cage and placing a lamb chop outside just right beside the door. you don't think that's a bit cruel. and having them in 1g tanks aren't mean either where all they know is an inch or 2 around them ill have you know betas can not only get along with some other fish though manly based on the fish but also themselves. I myself am going to do a 10g for mine and have plenty of plants and hiding spots with very little water flow and a heater of course. ive had mine with loaches, tetras, corys, and otos and nothing has happened. even had the male and female out and they are able to touch each other its not just teasing them and they love it. they chase each other and the female leads the male around and they hang in the plants together. so really there is to many stereotypes on this fish and not enough hard facts.
I feed Newlife Spectra and would recommend it . They have it for Betta fish.
Thanks.
Is just a matter of feeding variety and they will eat it.
Regarding the other nine (nueve en espanol) items...well people have their different opinions and does not apply to everybody, if you live in Boston the weather is not the same than Palm Springs when the summer hits the 120 degrees mark, so I think it would be a mistake to have a heater for you betta right? well thank you for taking the time in informing and educating newbies like myself.
By the way I subbed and liked the video.
Any dry food, especially freeze dried, should be well soaked in tank water before being fed to a betta. Freeze dried are real food and quite decent foods if soaked, and doesn't carry the very real risk that frozen does. Frozen foods are fine unless they have been allowed to even partially thaw somewhere along the line, which is almost impossible to know. The bacteria types and levels in refrozen raw fish foods can be quite dangerous to the fish eating them.
I thought this was for keeping beta fish alive, not humans
but very useful video. I've named my beta fish "muerto" because of his lack of movement. Now i'm going to have to rename ham. Thank you.
So when I do a water change, still do only 30-40% water out? Or do I clean rocks? Help?
So when I do a water change, still do only 30-40% water out? Or do I clean rocks? Help?
I never had a heater for my betta , But its still a healthy fish! Good size and colorful, happy as well, but. I slightly overfeed, I mean twice a day, two pellets so I'll be watching that, And I'm gonna go buy a heater soon too, one question, I can't just have the water around those tempatures?? For now while I don't have a heater
I never had a heater for my betta , But its still a healthy fish! Good size and colorful, happy as well, but. I slightly overfeed, I mean twice a day, two pellets so I'll be watching that, And I'm gonna go buy a heater soon too, one question, I can't just have the water around those tempatures?? For now while I don't have a heater
p.s. im carter ponwith not portia ponwith im her 13year old son
i guess its because he grew up without live food and because he's already pretty old and too rusty to hunt XD
else he's got everything he needs, a filter, a heater, plants and enough space (:
1) Filters: A betta tank SHOULD be filtered for a proper cycle. 99% of betta keepers are not changing the water enough to not have a filter. Even the small amount of ammonia spike in between water changes is unnecessary. Rippling the surface of the water is not an issue as long as it is slight.... bettas CAN and DO breathe under water when aerated. Surface water breathing is an adaptation. More concern should be about high flow that catches the betta's long fins and moves them about the tank causing stress.
2) Tank Mates: I've kept several male bettas with tank mates. While the general idea is correct, male bettas CAN live with proper tank mates more often than not. Otto's (Otocinclus Catfish) have been perfect in my tanks! Just have to be in a tank that is a bit more established and has plenty of hiding places. They cannot hurt a bettas fins and are too quick for a betta to harass. There are others of course.
Yes. Whisper HOB self contained filters. Look for one rated for a 2.5 gallon or less. You don't need much filtration for a single betta in a 5-10 gallon tank. There are ways to divert the current towards the edges of the tank instead of down into the water..... but a simple solution is to buy pantyhose and wrap around the filter inlet. 1 or two layers will usually do it, or more as needed. You can regulate the flow on these filters very, very easily this way. Whisper does sell adjustable small filters, but from what I found they are the 5+ gallon filters and still put out too much current on low setting.
May I ask what kind of shrimp your giving your bettas?
With your filter, you can do 40% water changes every three or four days or so, and you should be alright. The water changes are more to remove the harmful ammonia buildup in the tank than to actually clean it.