No expert I claim to be, but the following recipe has proven effective for me. Wow, and that rhymes.

This guide is a step by step walk through for creating Betta fish friendly water that addresses the following:

1. De-chlorination (removing chlorine from tap water)
2. Bacteria/parasite growth prevention
3. Disease recovery & prevention

The goal of this guide is to save you time and cut past the superfluous clutter found elsewhere.

Shopping List:

1 empty 1 gallon container of drinking water
NovAqua plus or NovAqua
Aquarium Salt
Aquari-Sol

Where do I buy all this crap?

STFI or visit your local Petsmart, PetCo or dare I say it... some Walmart's, carry API Aquarium Salt and Splendid Betta Complete Water Conditioner (substitutes for NovAqua ) If all else fails support the local economy and visit your friendly neighborhood aquarium store.

Step 1: Start With 1 Empty 1 Gallon Container of Drinking Water

Note: Use a water container that has only been used to store drinking water and nothing else.

Step 2: Add 2 Drops of NovAqua Plus Per Gallon of Water

Removes Chlorine from tap water
Detoxifies tap water

If your in a pinch and can't find "NovAqua", may I also suggest "Splendid Betta Complete Water Conditioner" which calls for 1/2 teaspoon per gallon of water.

Step 3: Add 1/2 Tea Spoon of Aquarium Salt Per Gallon of Water

Bacteria/parasite growth prevention
Promotes disease recovery
Prevents parasites and fungus

Step 4: Add 1 Drop of Aquari-Sol Per Gallon of Water

Cure and preventative for Ick, closed fins, body fungus, velvet and other parasite infestations.

Step 5: Fill the Remainder of the Container With Tap Water.

Allow the water to reach room temperature before using. (about an hour)

Make a few 1 gallon containers of pre-treated water and keep them near your betta (so they will be the same temperature) for easy water changes or if you need to top them off.

Step 6: Extra Credit:

If you feel like drinking out of the fire hose of information, here are some suggested web pages on the Internet's:

http://bettatalk.com/water.htm

http://www.nippyfish.net/allaboutwater.html