Betta fish and fin rot prevention

[folkset]

My betta's fins look a bit ragged lately. I do weekly water changes, 20%, in a 5-gallon tank with a sponge filter. Temp stays at 78F. What else can I do to prevent fin rot?

[fattiger]

Yo, fin rot's a pain but fixable. First, check your water params, ammonia and nitrite gotta be zero. If they're not, that's your culprit. Also, maybe bump those water changes to 30%, twice a week till it clears. I'd add some Indian almond leaves, they're clutch for healing.

[mystiko]

Yo, fin rot's a pain but fixable. First, check your water params, ammonia and nitrite gotta be zero. If they're not, that's your culprit. Also, maybe bump those water changes to 30%, twice a week till it clears. I'd add some Indian almond leaves, they're clutch for healing.

Agreed on the almond leaves. They've worked wonders for my fish. Also, make sure there's nothing sharp in the tank tearing their fins.

[goldfishy]

I've had success with aquarium salt, just a teaspoon per gallon. It's gentle but effective. Also, what's your feeding routine? Overfeeding can mess with water quality big time.

[SwanLander]

My dude had fin rot last month. Did the salt thing and upped water changes. He's all good now. Just gotta stay on top of it.

[boxreef]

I'd skip the salt if you've got live plants. It can stress them out. Focus on clean water and maybe a betta-specific antibiotic if it's bad.

[farmon]

I've had success with aquarium salt, just a teaspoon per gallon. It's gentle but effective. Also, what's your feeding routine? Overfeeding can mess with water quality big time.

Salt's a solid move, but yeah, gotta watch the plants. I feed mine twice a day, just a pinch. Any more and the tank gets sketchy fast.

[folkset]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll test the water again and try the almond leaves. Appreciate the help!

[fattiger]

No prob. Keep us posted. Oh, and if you're using tap water, double-check your conditioner. Some of 'em don't cut it for heavy metals.

[mystiko]

Good point on the conditioner. I switched to Seachem Prime last year and it's been a game-changer.