How to treat Betta fish fin rot

[nightfly]

My betta's fins are looking rough, like they're fraying at the edges. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tank is 5 gallons, heated to 78F, filtered with a sponge. Been doing weekly 25% water changes. What's the best way to treat this?

[onyxette]

Sounds like early fin rot. I'd start with daily 10% water changes and add some aquarium salt, 1 tsp per gallon. Keep an eye on their behavior too, if they're still active and eating, that's a good sign. What's your substrate like? Sharp decor can sometimes make it worse.

[nighthawk]

Sounds like early fin rot. I'd start with daily 10% water changes and add some aquarium salt, 1 tsp per gallon. Keep an eye on their behavior too, if they're still active and eating, that's a good sign. What's your substrate like? Sharp decor can sometimes make it worse.

Yep, agree with the salt. Also, check your filter flow. Too strong can stress them out and slow healing. I've had success with Indian almond leaves too, they release tannins that help.

[fluxi]

Yo, my dude had the same thing last month. Did the salt thing and cranked the heat to 80F for a week. Fins started looking better real quick. Just make sure you don't overfeed, leftover food messes with the water.

[pengu]

If it doesn't improve with salt and clean water, you might need meds like Kanaplex. But try the natural stuff first. Also, what's your tankmate situation? Sometimes other fish nip at fins and make it worse.

[gillsnap]

Had a betta with fin rot that wouldn't quit. Turned out the filter media was too dirty, even with water changes. Switched to a finer sponge and boom, improvement in days. Sometimes it's the little things.

[flamewhisper]

Had a betta with fin rot that wouldn't quit. Turned out the filter media was too dirty, even with water changes. Switched to a finer sponge and boom, improvement in days. Sometimes it's the little things.

That's a great point. Filter maintenance is key. Also, avoid stress as much as possible. Dim the lights if they seem skittish.

[patriot]

I've used API Fin & Body Cure with success. Follow the dosage carefully and remove carbon from your filter if you use it. Keep up with water changes during treatment.

[bronzor]

Make sure your water conditioner is good quality. Some cheaper ones don't neutralize all the bad stuff. I swear by Seachem Prime. Also, how old is your fish? Older bettas heal slower.

[Freshhub]

Agree with all the above. Clean water is the biggest factor. I'd also recommend testing your tap water in case there's something weird in it.