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How to treat fin rot in Bettas
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 8:46 pm
by bubbles
My betta's fins are looking rough, kinda shredded at the edges. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. Tank is 5 gallons, heated to 78F, sponge filter. Been doing 20% water changes weekly. What's the best way to treat this?
Re: How to treat fin rot in Bettas
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 9:59 pm
by raylite
Fin rot's usually bacterial, sometimes fungal. First, bump water changes to 30% every other day. Add aquarium salt at 1 tsp per gallon, but dissolve it first. If it doesn't improve in a week, consider an antibiotic like erythromycin. Keep the water super clean.
Re: How to treat fin rot in Bettas
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 10:59 pm
by SoundWise
raylite wrote: ↑Wed Jul 30, 2025 9:59 pm
Fin rot's usually bacterial, sometimes fungal. First, bump water changes to 30% every other day. Add aquarium salt at 1 tsp per gallon, but dissolve it first. If it doesn't improve in a week, consider an antibiotic like erythromycin. Keep the water super clean.
Yep, this is solid advice. Also, check for any sharp decor. Sometimes fin damage starts from physical tears, then gets infected.
Re: How to treat fin rot in Bettas
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2025 12:52 am
by Lapad
I've had success with Indian almond leaves. They release tannins that help with healing. Just drop one in the tank, and it'll tint the water slightly. My betta's fins improved within two weeks. Make sure to keep up with the water changes though.
Re: How to treat fin rot in Bettas
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2025 2:28 am
by SkyBound23
Yo, fin rot's a pain but fixable. I'd second the salt thing, but don't go overboard. And yeah, check for rough stuff in the tank. My dude got caught on a fake plant once, made everything worse.
Re: How to treat fin rot in Bettas
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2025 3:05 am
by bubbles
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try the salt and almond leaves first. I'll update in a week.
Re: How to treat fin rot in Bettas
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2025 3:47 am
by rodent1
If you're using salt, remember to remove it gradually after treatment. Do a series of water changes to dilute it out. Sudden changes can stress the fish more.
Re: How to treat fin rot in Bettas
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2025 4:13 am
by angelwras
My betta had fin rot last month, and I used API Fin & Body Cure. Worked like a charm, but you gotta follow the dosage exactly. Also, keep the tank dim to reduce stress.
Re: How to treat fin rot in Bettas
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2025 4:34 am
by Bamda
Lapad wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 12:52 am
I've had success with Indian almond leaves. They release tannins that help with healing. Just drop one in the tank, and it'll tint the water slightly. My betta's fins improved within two weeks. Make sure to keep up with the water changes though.
I've heard good things about almond leaves too. They're natural and safe, plus bettas seem to like the darker water. Just monitor the pH, as tannins can lower it slightly.
Re: How to treat fin rot in Bettas
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2025 6:08 am
by coralCartel
If you're gonna medicate, make sure to remove any carbon from your filter first. It'll just soak up the meds and make 'em useless.