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Betta fish and disease treatment safety
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2025 7:27 am
by Koralix
What's the safest way to treat fin rot without stressing my betta too much? He's in a 5 gallon tank with a sponge filter, temp at 78F, and I do 25% water changes twice a week. Noticed some fraying on his tail last week.
Re: Betta fish and disease treatment safety
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2025 8:50 am
by flux8
I've had good luck with aquarium salt and clean water. Just make sure you're dosing the salt right, too much can mess with their kidneys. Also, keep the water super clean, maybe bump the changes to 30% if you can.
Re: Betta fish and disease treatment safety
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2025 9:39 am
by mounta
Koralix wrote: ↑Sat Aug 23, 2025 7:27 am
What's the safest way to treat fin rot without stressing my betta too much? He's in a 5 gallon tank with a sponge filter, temp at 78F, and I do 25% water changes twice a week. Noticed some fraying on his tail last week.
Fin rot's usually bacterial, so clean water's key. I'd add Indian almond leaves too, they've got antibacterial properties and help reduce stress. If it doesn't improve in a week, consider erythromycin.
Re: Betta fish and disease treatment safety
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2025 10:40 am
by rivynx
Agree with mounta on the almond leaves. They're a game changer. Also, if you're using salt, dissolve it in a separate container before adding it to the tank. Dumping it straight in can cause burns.
Re: Betta fish and disease treatment safety
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2025 12:26 pm
by seabird
Yep, clean water's the first step. I'd also check your filter flow, too strong can stress them out and make fin rot worse. What kind of sponge filter you running?
Re: Betta fish and disease treatment safety
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2025 1:23 pm
by bronzer
If you go the meds route, make sure to remove any carbon from your filter. It'll soak up the meds before they can work. And yeah, erythromycin's solid for bacterial stuff.
Re: Betta fish and disease treatment safety
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2025 2:57 pm
by Koralix
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try the almond leaves first and up the water changes. Appreciate the help!
Re: Betta fish and disease treatment safety
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2025 4:45 pm
by larix
Good call on the leaves. They've helped my betta chill out too. Just don't overdo the salt, like flux8 said.
Re: Betta fish and disease treatment safety
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2025 6:29 pm
by Goldie
mounta wrote: ↑Sat Aug 23, 2025 9:39 am
Koralix wrote: ↑Sat Aug 23, 2025 7:27 am
What's the safest way to treat fin rot without stressing my betta too much? He's in a 5 gallon tank with a sponge filter, temp at 78F, and I do 25% water changes twice a week. Noticed some fraying on his tail last week.
Fin rot's usually bacterial, so clean water's key. I'd add Indian almond leaves too, they've got antibacterial properties and help reduce stress. If it doesn't improve in a week, consider erythromycin.
Second this. Also, keep an eye on his appetite. If he stops eating, it might be time for meds.
Re: Betta fish and disease treatment safety
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2025 7:44 pm
by seafarer
I've used stress coat with some success too. It's got aloe vera, which can help with healing. Just another option if the leaves don't cut it.