Velvet disease in Bettas

[silverbob]

Noticed my betta has a gold dust look on its fins and body. It's been rubbing against the tank decor too. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. Tank is 5 gallons, heated to 78F, sponge filter. Any idea if this is velvet?

[Petunia]

Sounds sketchy, like velvet for sure. My cousin's fish had that last year, looked all dusty like yours. She used copper meds, but idk the dose. Gonna ask her and get back to ya.

[sterna]

Yep, that's velvet alright. Gotta treat it fast or it'll spread. Copper's the way to go, but be careful with the dose. Also, dim the lights, velvet hates that.

[tidecaster]

Oh no, poor little guy. I've dealt with velvet before, it's rough. Copper meds worked for me too, but make sure you remove any carbon from the filter first. How's your fish acting besides the rubbing?

[silverbob]

Sounds sketchy, like velvet for sure. My cousin's fish had that last year, looked all dusty like yours. She used copper meds, but idk the dose. Gonna ask her and get back to ya.

Let me know what dose your cousin used, Petunia.

[Petunia]

Gotcha, she said she used 1 drop per gallon of the copper stuff. But her tank was bigger, so maybe check the bottle? Also, keep an eye on the temp, she said that matters.

[sterna]

Yeah, temp's key. Keep it steady at 78F, no swings. And like tidecaster said, ditch the carbon or the meds won't work. How often you do water changes?

[tidecaster]

Yep, that's velvet alright. Gotta treat it fast or it'll spread. Copper's the way to go, but be careful with the dose. Also, dim the lights, velvet hates that.

Totally agree on the lights. I kept mine dim for a week and it helped a ton. How's your betta's appetite, silverbob?

[silverbob]

Appetite's down, barely touches the pellets. I'll try some frozen bloodworms later. Picked up the copper meds, gonna start treatment tonight. Thanks again, everyone.

[Petunia]

Good call on the bloodworms, sick fish sometimes go for those better. Keep us posted, yeah? Hope your little dude pulls through.