Betta fish health monitoring

The sub forum dedicated to one of the most incredible fish in our hobby. Betta ask your questions in here!
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FableMan
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2024 10:47 pm

Betta fish health monitoring

Post by FableMan »

Noticed my betta's fins looking a bit ragged today. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. Tank's a 5 gallon with a sponge filter, heated to 78F. Any ideas what's up?
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waterworlds
Posts: 28
Joined: Fri Dec 22, 2023 9:15 am

Re: Betta fish health monitoring

Post by waterworlds »

FableMan wrote: ↑Tue Jul 29, 2025 3:07 am Noticed my betta's fins looking a bit ragged today. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. Tank's a 5 gallon with a sponge filter, heated to 78F. Any ideas what's up?
Could be fin rot or just tearing. How often do you do water changes? Also, check for sharp decor. I'd up the changes to twice a week, add some Indian almond leaves if you can.
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xterrab
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 10:28 pm

Re: Betta fish health monitoring

Post by xterrab »

Mine had the same thing last month. Turned out the plastic plants were too rough. Switched to silk and he's way better now. Maybe check your tank setup?
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zeniko
Posts: 24
Joined: Mon Mar 28, 2022 8:37 am

Re: Betta fish health monitoring

Post by zeniko »

Agree with waterworlds on the almond leaves. They're a game changer. Also, what's your feeding routine? Overfeeding can mess with water quality even if params look fine.
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creekflow
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:13 pm

Re: Betta fish health monitoring

Post by creekflow »

Yo, my dude had this too. I cranked the temp to 80F and added a pinch of salt. Fixed him right up. Just don't go overboard with the salt, ya know?
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starwave9
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Joined: Mon Jul 31, 2023 12:59 am

Re: Betta fish health monitoring

Post by starwave9 »

creekflow wrote: ↑Tue Jul 29, 2025 8:07 am Yo, my dude had this too. I cranked the temp to 80F and added a pinch of salt. Fixed him right up. Just don't go overboard with the salt, ya know?
Salt can help, but be careful with plants. Some can't handle it. What's your substrate? If it's sharp, that could be the culprit.
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FableMan
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Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2024 10:47 pm

Re: Betta fish health monitoring

Post by FableMan »

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna check the decor and up the water changes. Appreciate it!
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rivulet
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:09 am

Re: Betta fish health monitoring

Post by rivulet »

Had a similar scare last week. Turned out my filter flow was too strong. Adjusted it and added a pre-filter sponge. Maybe give that a look?
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brook
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:50 pm

Re: Betta fish health monitoring

Post by brook »

Mine's fins got tore up from a cheap ornament. Swapped it out and he's chillin now. Always check for rough edges, folks.
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_tide
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue May 17, 2022 10:42 am

Re: Betta fish health monitoring

Post by _tide »

brook wrote: ↑Tue Jul 29, 2025 12:50 pm Mine's fins got tore up from a cheap ornament. Swapped it out and he's chillin now. Always check for rough edges, folks.
Yep, learned that the hard way too. Sanded down all my decor after that. Also, keep an eye on tankmates. Some can be fin nippers.
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