How to quarantine a sick Betta

[jamtart]

My betta's been acting weird, fins clamped and not eating. Gonna set up a quarantine tank but not sure what to add. He's in a 5 gallon with a sponge filter, temp at 78. Should I use meds or just clean water?

[angler_09]

First, move him to a separate 2.5–5 gallon tank with a heater set to 80. Use water from his main tank to reduce stress. Add Indian almond leaves if you have them, they're great for soothing fins. Skip meds unless you see obvious signs of infection like fungus or spots.

[dungeon]

Yep, clean water's key. I'd do daily 25% water changes with conditioned water. If he's not eating, try soaking his food in garlic juice, works like a charm for mine. Also, keep the lights low, helps 'em chill.

[weststar]

My betta's been acting weird, fins clamped and not eating. Gonna set up a quarantine tank but not sure what to add. He's in a 5 gallon with a sponge filter, temp at 78. Should I use meds or just clean water?

Clamped fins often mean stress or poor water quality. Test the main tank for ammonia and nitrites. If those are zero, quarantine with clean water and observe. Meds can do more harm than good if misused.

[buzzline]

I've had success with aquarium salt in quarantine, 1 tsp per gallon. Just don't overdo it, and dissolve it first. Also, make sure the quarantine tank has a lid, bettas can jump when stressed. Hope your little guy feels better soon!

[raylyn]

First, move him to a separate 2.5–5 gallon tank with a heater set to 80. Use water from his main tank to reduce stress. Add Indian almond leaves if you have them, they're great for soothing fins. Skip meds unless you see obvious signs of infection like fungus or spots.

Agreed on the leaves, but if you don't have any, stress coat additives can help. Also, keep the tank bare-bottom for easier cleaning. Monitor his behavior closely—if he starts flaring or rubbing, it might be parasites.

[jamtart]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Got him in a 3 gallon with a heater and almond leaves. Gonna skip meds for now and just keep the water pristine. Fingers crossed!

[gleek2]

Good call on the leaves. If he's still not eating after a couple days, try live food like brine shrimp. Sometimes that kickstarts their appetite. Keep us posted!

[soup]

Mine was like that last month. Turned out the pH was too high. Test your water, just in case. Also, make sure the flow from the sponge filter isn't too strong, bettas hate current.

[Royalboy]

If you do end up needing meds, go for erythromycin or kanaplex, but only if you're sure it's bacterial. And always remove carbon from the filter first, it'll absorb the meds.