Page 1 of 2
How to treat Betta fish fin rot
Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2025 9:24 pm
by 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?
Re: How to treat Betta fish fin rot
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2025 12:19 am
by 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.
Re: How to treat Betta fish fin rot
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2025 1:32 am
by nighthawk
onyxette wrote: ↑Thu Sep 04, 2025 12:19 am
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.
Re: How to treat Betta fish fin rot
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2025 5:11 am
by 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.
Re: How to treat Betta fish fin rot
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2025 6:21 am
by 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.
Re: How to treat Betta fish fin rot
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2025 10:52 am
by 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.
Re: How to treat Betta fish fin rot
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2025 11:57 am
by flamewhisper
gillsnap wrote: ↑Thu Sep 04, 2025 10:52 am
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.
Re: How to treat Betta fish fin rot
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2025 3:39 pm
by 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.
Re: How to treat Betta fish fin rot
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2025 11:54 pm
by 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.
Re: How to treat Betta fish fin rot
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2025 3:08 am
by 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.