Who Gives A Fish Forums

Has anyone tried adding turmeric to their aquarium? I've heard it has anti-inflammatory properties and might help fish with minor infections. My Betta has been a bit sluggish lately, and I'm looking for natural remedies before jumping to meds.

I've read about turmeric being used in fish food, but never directly in the water. It's supposed to boost immunity, but I'd worry about dosage. What's your tank size and current water params?

Yo, I tossed a pinch of turmeric in my 20-gallon last month when my Gourami had a weird vibe. Didn't measure, just winged it. Fish perked up in a couple days, but could've been coincidence. Water stayed clear, no weird changes.

Turmeric contains curcumin, which has documented antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its solubility in water is poor. You'd need to mix it with a lipid carrier or bind it to food for efficacy. Direct addition is unreliable.

flourish wrote: ↑Fri May 02, 2025 3:25 pm I've read about turmeric being used in fish food, but never directly in the water. It's supposed to boost immunity, but I'd worry about dosage. What's your tank size and current water params?

It's a 10-gallon, params are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Temp at 78F. I'm more curious about the food method—how'd you incorporate it?

I'd mix a tiny amount with garlic juice and soak pellets. The garlic masks the taste, and the combo might help with absorption. Start with like 1/8 tsp per tablespoon of food, see how they react.

diseasye wrote: ↑Fri May 02, 2025 4:25 pm Turmeric contains curcumin, which has documented antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its solubility in water is poor. You'd need to mix it with a lipid carrier or bind it to food for efficacy. Direct addition is unreliable.

Makes sense why my lazy toss-in didn't crash the tank. Gonna try the food method next time, sounds less sketchy.

If you proceed, monitor for gill irritation or behavioral changes. Curcumin can interact with other medications, so avoid mixing with formalin or copper-based treatments. A 24-hour fast before medicated food is advisable to ensure uptake.

Good lookin' out. My Gourami's chill now, but I'll keep this in mind for future drama. Always something with these fish, huh?