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Betta fish and disease prevention strategies
Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2025 6:51 pm
by fruitymint
What's the best way to keep my betta from getting sick? I've got a 5-gallon tank with a sponge filter, heater set to 78, and do weekly water changes. Still worried about fin rot or ich.
Re: Betta fish and disease prevention strategies
Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2025 8:46 pm
by deepdive
Consistency is key. Test your water weekly for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Keep nitrates under 20 ppm. A stable environment reduces stress, which is a major factor in disease. Also, quarantine new plants or tankmates for at least two weeks.
Re: Betta fish and disease prevention strategies
Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2025 9:22 pm
by fluxx7
deepdive wrote: ↑Thu Aug 21, 2025 8:46 pm
Consistency is key. Test your water weekly for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Keep nitrates under 20 ppm. A stable environment reduces stress, which is a major factor in disease. Also, quarantine new plants or tankmates for at least two weeks.
Yep, stress is a biggie. I'd add that overfeeding can mess with water quality. Stick to small portions they can finish in 2 minutes, twice a day.
Re: Betta fish and disease prevention strategies
Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2025 10:09 pm
by seabird
I've had good luck with adding Indian almond leaves. They release tannins that mimic their natural habitat and have antibacterial properties. Just toss one in and replace it every few weeks.
Re: Betta fish and disease prevention strategies
Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2025 11:16 pm
by barnicle
My guy got fin rot last year. Fixed it with daily 10% water changes and a bit of aquarium salt. Took about two weeks to see improvement. Now I'm extra careful with water params.
Re: Betta fish and disease prevention strategies
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2025 12:11 am
by fluffa
How often do y'all clean the substrate? I've got sand and worry about gunk building up. Don't wanna stress my fish with too much messing around in there.
Re: Betta fish and disease prevention strategies
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2025 12:27 am
by fruitymint
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna grab some almond leaves and double-check my feeding routine. Appreciate the help!
Re: Betta fish and disease prevention strategies
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2025 1:08 am
by fluxx7
fluffa wrote: ↑Fri Aug 22, 2025 12:11 am
How often do y'all clean the substrate? I've got sand and worry about gunk building up. Don't wanna stress my fish with too much messing around in there.
I vacuum my sand lightly every other water change. Just skim the surface to avoid disturbing the beneficial bacteria too much.
Re: Betta fish and disease prevention strategies
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2025 1:34 am
by deepdive
If you're using tap water, always condition it before adding. Chlorine and chloramines can wreck their slime coat, making them more prone to infections. Seachem Prime is my go-to.
Re: Betta fish and disease prevention strategies
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2025 2:11 am
by seabird
Also, watch for signs of stress like clamped fins or hiding. Catching issues early makes treatment way easier. A happy betta is a healthy betta.