Betta fish and health recovery strategies

[luxora]

My betta's been acting sluggish lately, fins look a bit clamped. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tank's a 5 gallon with a sponge filter, heated to 78. Any ideas what's up?

[weststar]

Clamped fins can mean stress or early signs of illness. How often do you do water changes? Sometimes even with good params, buildup of organics can mess with them. Also, check for any sharp decor.

[treetech]

My betta's been acting sluggish lately, fins look a bit clamped. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tank's a 5 gallon with a sponge filter, heated to 78. Any ideas what's up?

Could be a bacterial thing. Try adding some Indian almond leaves, they're great for soothing bettas. Also, bump the temp to 80 if your heater can handle it, helps their immune system.

[treetech]

My betta's been acting sluggish lately, fins look a bit clamped. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tank's a 5 gallon with a sponge filter, heated to 78. Any ideas what's up?

Could be a bacterial thing. Try adding some Indian almond leaves, they're great for soothing bettas. Also, bump the temp to 80 if your heater can handle it, helps their immune system.

[peacock12]

Mine did that once, turned out the flow from the filter was too strong. Maybe check if yours is getting pushed around too much?

[Lumina]

Agree with treetech on the temp increase. Also, what's your feeding routine? Overfeeding can cause issues even if params seem fine. Stick to small portions twice a day.

[frogpond]

Yep, mine was a picky eater too. Tried fasting for a day then offering frozen brine shrimp, perked right up. Sometimes they just need a lil variety, ya know?

[Genie]

Clamped fins can mean stress or early signs of illness. How often do you do water changes? Sometimes even with good params, buildup of organics can mess with them. Also, check for any sharp decor.

Solid advice. OP, if you're doing weekly changes, try upping to twice a week for a bit. And yeah, sand down any rough edges if you find 'em.

[bubbly]

Mine got like that after I added a new plant. Turns out it was leaching something sketchy. Maybe test your tap water too, just in case?

[eleNt]

If all else fails, a salt bath might help. Use aquarium salt, 1 tsp per gallon in a separate container, let 'em soak for 10-15 mins. Just don't overdo it.