Preventing illness in Betta fish

[brinyveg]

I've been keeping bettas for a while now, but my last one got sick and didn't make it. What's the best way to prevent illness in them? I've got a 5-gallon tank, heater set to 78, and do weekly water changes.

[RazorX]

First off, sorry to hear about your fish. Bettas are tough but can get sick if water quality slips. You're on the right track with the heater and water changes. Test your water regularly for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Even small spikes can stress them out. Also, avoid overfeeding—leftover food messes with water quality.

[starwea]

I agree with RazorX. Water quality is key. I'd also add that a good filter helps, but make sure the flow isn't too strong. Bettas don't like strong currents. And if you're using tap water, always condition it to remove chlorine.

[EllieX]

How often do you clean the tank substrate? Debris can build up and cause problems. I vacuum mine every water change. Also, what's your feeding routine? Overfeeding is a common issue.

[brinyveg]

First off, sorry to hear about your fish. Bettas are tough but can get sick if water quality slips. You're on the right track with the heater and water changes. Test your water regularly for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Even small spikes can stress them out. Also, avoid overfeeding—leftover food messes with water quality.

Thanks for the advice. I'll start testing more often. I've been feeding once a day, but maybe I'll cut back a bit.

[sunnygold]

Another thing to watch is tankmates. Some folks keep bettas with other fish, but it's risky. Even peaceful fish can stress them out. If you're gonna have tankmates, make sure they're chill and the tank's big enough.

[Bridger1]

I've had success with adding Indian almond leaves. They release tannins that can help prevent infections. Just toss one in and let it steep. My bettas seem to like the darker water too.

[deepsea1]

Yeah, almond leaves are great. Also, keep an eye on your betta's behavior. If they're acting off—like not eating or hiding more than usual—it's a red flag. Catching problems early makes a huge difference.

[purered]

I'm kinda new to this, but my betta's been doing great. I keep the tank clean, feed him small amounts twice a day, and use a sponge filter. It's all about keeping things stable, ya know?

[Murder]

Another thing to watch is tankmates. Some folks keep bettas with other fish, but it's risky. Even peaceful fish can stress them out. If you're gonna have tankmates, make sure they're chill and the tank's big enough.

Absolutely. Bettas are territorial. If you must have tankmates, go for snails or shrimp. Even then, some bettas will still mess with them.