Page 1 of 2
Betta fish and health issue prevention
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2025 7:12 am
by luminnox
I've been keeping bettas for a while, but my latest one seems lethargic. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tank is 5 gallons, heated to 78F, sponge filter. Any ideas what's up?
Re: Betta fish and health issue prevention
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2025 8:42 am
by trailblaz0r
Lethargy can stem from a few things. First, check if the flow from your sponge filter is too strong. Bettas prefer calm water. Also, what's your feeding routine? Overfeeding can cause bloating, which makes them sluggish. Try fasting for a day or two.
Re: Betta fish and health issue prevention
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2025 9:56 am
by sandfox
Yeah, I've had similar issues. Sometimes it's just stress from recent changes. Did you move the tank or add new decor? Even small things can mess with their vibe.
Re: Betta fish and health issue prevention
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2025 10:11 am
by regrex
luminnox wrote: ↑Mon Sep 08, 2025 7:12 am
I've been keeping bettas for a while, but my latest one seems lethargic. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tank is 5 gallons, heated to 78F, sponge filter. Any ideas what's up?
Yo, sounds like your setup is solid. Maybe check the heater's working right? Had a buddy whose heater was sketchy, temp was swinging, fish got super lazy.
Re: Betta fish and health issue prevention
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2025 10:44 am
by sharpfin12
Could be internal parasites. Mine acted the same, turned out it was worms. Try feeding daphnia or a medicated food. Also, how often you doing water changes? Even with good params, fresh water perks them up.
Re: Betta fish and health issue prevention
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2025 11:39 am
by snatchit
Agree with trailblaz0r on the flow. Sponge filters are usually chill, but if it's too strong, baffle it with a water bottle. Also, what's the lighting like? Too bright can stress them out.
Re: Betta fish and health issue prevention
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2025 11:44 am
by flynix
Lethargy's tricky. Mine was like that, turned out the tank was too clean. No biofilm for him to graze on. Added some almond leaves, he perked right up.
Re: Betta fish and health issue prevention
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2025 11:55 am
by Foliums
trailblaz0r wrote: ↑Mon Sep 08, 2025 8:42 am
Lethargy can stem from a few things. First, check if the flow from your sponge filter is too strong. Bettas prefer calm water. Also, what's your feeding routine? Overfeeding can cause bloating, which makes them sluggish. Try fasting for a day or two.
Yep, overfeeding's a big one. I'd cut back to once a day, small portions. Also, check for fin clamping. Could be early signs of something worse.
Re: Betta fish and health issue prevention
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2025 11:58 am
by coralone
Mine was lazy till I switched to live food. Now he's all over the tank. Maybe yours is bored? Try some bloodworms or brine shrimp, see if that sparks interest.
Re: Betta fish and health issue prevention
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2025 12:17 pm
by Birdie
Lots of good points here. To summarize: check flow, heater, feeding, and stress factors. Also, consider a parasite treatment if nothing else works. Keep us posted!