How to treat Betta fish velvet disease

[darkness]

My betta's got this weird gold dust on him, looks like velvet disease. Tank's a 5 gallon, heated to 78, filtered with a sponge. Been doing weekly water changes but he's still acting off, not eating much. What's the best way to treat this without messing up the cycle?

[foxlyn]

Velvet's nasty stuff. First thing, dim the lights, it hates that. Raise the temp to 82 slowly over a day. You'll need meds, like copper-based treatment, but be careful with dosing in a small tank. How long's he been like this?

[knightx]

I've heard salt baths can help. Non-iodized aquarium salt, 1 tbsp per gallon for 10 minutes max. But only if he's strong enough. What's his behavior like besides not eating?

[flyer8]

Velvet's nasty stuff. First thing, dim the lights, it hates that. Raise the temp to 82 slowly over a day. You'll need meds, like copper-based treatment, but be careful with dosing in a small tank. How long's he been like this?

Yep, copper's the way to go. I'd also add Indian almond leaves, they've got anti-parasitic properties. How often are you testing the water?

[darkness]

Thanks for the tips. He's been like this for about 3 days. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. I'll grab some copper meds and try the temp raise. Gonna skip the salt for now, he's pretty weak.

[foxlyn]

Smart call on holding off the salt. Keep us posted. If he doesn't improve in a couple days, you might need to isolate him. What's your water change routine like?

[knightx]

Isolation tank's a good idea if you've got one. Bare bottom, no substrate, easier to clean. You got any tankmates in there with him?

[flyer8]

Isolation tank's a good idea if you've got one. Bare bottom, no substrate, easier to clean. You got any tankmates in there with him?

Yeah, and if you don't have a spare tank, a big clean bucket with a heater works in a pinch. Just make sure it's cycled.

[darkness]

No tankmates, just him. I do weekly 25% changes, vacuum the gravel. I'll set up a hospital tank tonight. Appreciate the help, guys.