Betta fish parasites and treatments

[goldfish]

Noticed my betta scratching against the gravel a lot lately. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. Anyone dealt with parasites before? What's the best treatment?

[reefman]

Sounds like external parasites, maybe ich or velvet. Check for white spots or a gold dust appearance. I'd start with raising the temp to 86F for a week, add aquarium salt at 1 tsp per gallon. If it's velvet, you'll need copper-based meds like Cupramine.

[guyah]

Sounds like external parasites, maybe ich or velvet. Check for white spots or a gold dust appearance. I'd start with raising the temp to 86F for a week, add aquarium salt at 1 tsp per gallon. If it's velvet, you'll need copper-based meds like Cupramine.

Yep, agree with reefman. Also, dim the lights if it's velvet, that stuff hates light. Keep an eye on your fish's breathing, copper can be harsh.

[sandbaker]

My dude had ich last month. Did the heat and salt thing, cleared up in like 5 days. Just make sure your tank's cycled, meds can mess with the bio filter.

[ranchero]

Had a similar issue with my halfmoon. Turned out to be flukes. Used PraziPro, worked like a charm. You might wanna quarantine if you have other fish, parasites spread quick.

[luminix]

How often should I dose the meds? My betta's in a 10 gallon, no tankmates. Also, should I skip feeding during treatment?

[falconix9]

How often should I dose the meds? My betta's in a 10 gallon, no tankmates. Also, should I skip feeding during treatment?

Follow the med instructions exactly, usually every 48 hours. Keep feeding, but go light. Stress coat can help too, just don't mix it with copper meds.

[goldfish]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. Gonna try the salt and heat first, see if that cuts it.

[buzzybee]

Good call. Just remember to do small water changes daily if you're using salt, it doesn't evaporate. And keep the temp steady, fluctuations stress 'em out more.

[Dawnrider]

If you're using copper, get a test kit. Overdosing is bad news. Also, remove any carbon from your filter, it'll soak up the meds.