Oh my what a thread...lol
I usually keep my bettas in large jars. about 1 1/2 gallon. I do a water change weekly or more depening on the colour of the water...smell etc. Anything that would alert me that there is a problem.
Also watching your fishies behaviour is also important. Do they look fairly pale, clamped? Good time to do a water change.
I change all of my water and give the gravel or stones a good rinse..just to free any lodged food or waste. I use a water conitioner and match the waters temp as well. I usually find a bran new bubble nest hours later....that is definatly not a sign of stress so i am happy with my method.
As far as breeding some of you have mentioned feeding your pair well a week or two before. Great thing to poing out! Some people rush into thier spawning and forget that your male will not eat while he is in breeding mode...which could lead him to eating the eggs or fry.
Some spawning goes well...some doesnt. There are a few tricks and tips to making it work. But mostly... paitence is what you need too
Please feel free to visit
www.allthingsaquatic.com as mentioned before, we could talk fish all day lol
Thanks for your time guys ^_^