Hey everyone,
I just got a crown tail fin and I'm concerned about this weird gold powder on him. I don't think it's just his natural iridescence since it looks like powder and doesn't shine. He's in a 5.5 gallon tank with plants and a hide, and I've got the water at 82*F. I'm thinking it might be velvet, so I've started treatment - heating the water and dimming the lights. I've got medicine on the way, but I need to confirm if it's really velvet. The only symptom I've noticed is the powder. Can you guys help me out?
Is my betta suffering from velvet disease?
Re: Is my betta suffering from velvet disease?
I'm pretty sure that's Velvet, although I haven't dealt with it personally. I've seen pics of bettas with it, and it usually starts on the head. You've got medicine on the way, but I found some general treatment info that might be helpful.
I came across this, and I figured I'd share: raise the water temperature, dim the lights for several days, add some aquarium salt, and treat with copper sulfate for about 10 days. Also, stop using carbon filtration while you're treating the tank.
Good luck, and please keep us updated!
I came across this, and I figured I'd share: raise the water temperature, dim the lights for several days, add some aquarium salt, and treat with copper sulfate for about 10 days. Also, stop using carbon filtration while you're treating the tank.
Good luck, and please keep us updated!
Re: Is my betta suffering from velvet disease?
Hi and welcome to the forum. I've taken a closer look at your post and I'm not entirely convinced that the gold powder on your crown tail betta is velvet. It's quite unusual for velvet to only appear on the head, and not the rest of the body. Furthermore, velvet typically doesn't spread that quickly unless the tank is heavily infested with the Oodinium parasite, and even then, it wouldn't cover the entire head in just a few days.
If it is indeed velvet, I'd recommend trying heat treatment alone before resorting to medications. Raising the water temperature to 86F and maintaining it for two weeks can often do the trick. Additionally, you can add 2 heaped tablespoons of rock salt, sea salt, or swimming pool salt per 20 litres of water to help combat the parasite.
To maximize oxygen levels in the water, increase aeration and surface turbulence. It's also a good idea to turn off the tank lights for the duration of the two-week treatment.
Before you start, make sure to wipe down the inside of the glass. Perform a 90% water change and thoroughly clean the substrate. Ensure that any new water added is free of chlorine and chloramines. If you haven't cleaned the filter in the past two weeks, now's the time to do it - just be sure to wash the filter media in a bucket of tank water before reusing it.
If it is indeed velvet, I'd recommend trying heat treatment alone before resorting to medications. Raising the water temperature to 86F and maintaining it for two weeks can often do the trick. Additionally, you can add 2 heaped tablespoons of rock salt, sea salt, or swimming pool salt per 20 litres of water to help combat the parasite.
To maximize oxygen levels in the water, increase aeration and surface turbulence. It's also a good idea to turn off the tank lights for the duration of the two-week treatment.
Before you start, make sure to wipe down the inside of the glass. Perform a 90% water change and thoroughly clean the substrate. Ensure that any new water added is free of chlorine and chloramines. If you haven't cleaned the filter in the past two weeks, now's the time to do it - just be sure to wash the filter media in a bucket of tank water before reusing it.
Re: Is my betta suffering from velvet disease?
Hey guys thanks so much for your help. I've got a better pic of Elmo's whole body this time. coltin mentioned it might not be velvet if it's not all over him, but I was wondering if you can see the gold stuff in his fins and stuff in this picture? I know how velvet spreads, but I'm still super confused - I've had no other tank mates and the tank was cycled for 6 weeks before I even got him. Is it possible he had it in the cup before I got him? Also, I was wondering about the Oodinium - do they die after 24 hours without a host? I've got a hospital tank ready to go, but I'm worried about the main tank. If I treat Elmo in the hospital tank for the full time, will the Oodinium be gone by then? Thanks again for all your help!
P.S. I've attached a better pic of Elmo
P.S. I've attached a better pic of Elmo
Re: Is my betta suffering from velvet disease?
I'm convinced the second picture shows a clear case of velvet, and it's quite severe.
Rather than quarantining Elmo, I'd recommend doing a 90% water change and thoroughly cleaning the substrate to minimize the number of disease organisms in the tank. Then, raise the temperature to 30C and maintain it for at least 2 weeks.
Considering how long you've had Elmo, it's likely he contracted the disease at the pet shop. My guess is he had a mild case when you brought him home. The parasites probably dropped off his body shortly after he was introduced to your tank and began multiplying, eventually covering him.
The parasites typically die after a couple of days without a host fish, but there are certain strains of Oodinium that can remain dormant for months if there are no fish in the tank. When fish are added to the tank, these parasites can reactivate and start the infection cycle all over again.
I'd advise treating Elmo in his main tank, and if you have other fish tanks, it's a good idea to treat them with heat as well.
Rather than quarantining Elmo, I'd recommend doing a 90% water change and thoroughly cleaning the substrate to minimize the number of disease organisms in the tank. Then, raise the temperature to 30C and maintain it for at least 2 weeks.
Considering how long you've had Elmo, it's likely he contracted the disease at the pet shop. My guess is he had a mild case when you brought him home. The parasites probably dropped off his body shortly after he was introduced to your tank and began multiplying, eventually covering him.
The parasites typically die after a couple of days without a host fish, but there are certain strains of Oodinium that can remain dormant for months if there are no fish in the tank. When fish are added to the tank, these parasites can reactivate and start the infection cycle all over again.
I'd advise treating Elmo in his main tank, and if you have other fish tanks, it's a good idea to treat them with heat as well.
Re: Is my betta suffering from velvet disease?
Best of luck with Elmo's treatment, please keep us updated on his progress.
Re: Is my betta suffering from velvet disease?
Thanks so much, guys. I've got Elmo's tank at 30C now after a huge water change and scrub. I'll keep you updated on how he's doing.