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how to treat Betta fish fungal issues
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2025 8:07 pm
by LivedFree
My betta has white patches on its fins, looks like fungus. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tank is 5 gallons, heated to 78F. What's the best treatment?
Re: how to treat Betta fish fungal issues
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2025 8:16 pm
by oceanwave8
Sounds like cotton wool disease. I'd start with aquarium salt, 1 tsp per gallon. Also, bump the temp to 82F if your fish can handle it. Fungus hates heat. Keep the water clean with daily 25% changes. If it doesn't improve in a few days, try antifungal meds like API Fungus Cure.
Re: how to treat Betta fish fungal issues
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2025 8:21 pm
by Duskfire
I've had luck with Pimafix for mild cases. It's plant-safe if you've got live plants in there. Just follow the dosage and keep an eye on your fish's behavior. If they're still eating and active, that's a good sign.
Re: how to treat Betta fish fungal issues
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2025 8:28 pm
by florien
oceanwave8 wrote: ↑Sat Aug 30, 2025 8:16 pm
Sounds like cotton wool disease. I'd start with aquarium salt, 1 tsp per gallon. Also, bump the temp to 82F if your fish can handle it. Fungus hates heat. Keep the water clean with daily 25% changes. If it doesn't improve in a few days, try antifungal meds like API Fungus Cure.
Yep, salt and heat are my go-to first steps too. Just make sure to dissolve the salt in water before adding it to the tank. Dumping it straight in can stress your fish.
Re: how to treat Betta fish fungal issues
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2025 8:34 pm
by fairbrook
Had a similar issue last month. Used Maracyn and it cleared up in a week. Also, make sure your filter isn't too strong. Bettas don't like heavy flow, and stress can make fungal stuff worse.
Re: how to treat Betta fish fungal issues
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2025 9:04 pm
by flakeon
If you're using meds, remove any carbon from your filter. It'll soak up the meds before they can work. And yeah, keep up with those water changes. Dirty water is basically a fungus party.
Re: how to treat Betta fish fungal issues
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2025 9:49 pm
by dalerose
fairbrook wrote: ↑Sat Aug 30, 2025 8:34 pm
Had a similar issue last month. Used Maracyn and it cleared up in a week. Also, make sure your filter isn't too strong. Bettas don't like heavy flow, and stress can make fungal stuff worse.
Totally agree about the filter flow. I use a sponge filter in my betta tanks. Gentle flow and great bio filtration. Plus, it's cheap to run.
Re: how to treat Betta fish fungal issues
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2025 10:40 pm
by drift42
Check your tank for dead leaves or uneaten food. Decaying organic matter can spike bacteria and fungus. A turkey baster works great for spot cleaning.
Re: how to treat Betta fish fungal issues
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2025 10:47 pm
by regrex
If you're gonna use salt, don't forget to taper it off after treatment. Sudden changes in salinity can shock your fish. Do 25% water changes every other day to dilute it slowly.
Re: how to treat Betta fish fungal issues
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2025 11:57 pm
by Coralix9
My fish had this once. I just did more water changes and it went away on its own. Sometimes they just need cleaner water.