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Betta fish health monitoring
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2025 3:07 am
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?
Re: Betta fish health monitoring
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2025 4:50 am
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.
Re: Betta fish health monitoring
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2025 4:58 am
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?
Re: Betta fish health monitoring
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2025 6:18 am
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.
Re: Betta fish health monitoring
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2025 8:07 am
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?
Re: Betta fish health monitoring
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2025 8:29 am
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.
Re: Betta fish health monitoring
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2025 10:19 am
by FableMan
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna check the decor and up the water changes. Appreciate it!
Re: Betta fish health monitoring
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2025 11:19 am
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?
Re: Betta fish health monitoring
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2025 12:50 pm
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.
Re: Betta fish health monitoring
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2025 12:58 pm
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.