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My betta's been acting weird lately, fins clamped and not eating much. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tank's a 5 gallon with a sponge filter, heated to 78F. Anyone got tips on what's up with him?

Sounds like it could be stress or early signs of fin rot. How often you do water changes? Might wanna bump it up to twice a week, see if that helps. Also, check for any sharp decor, they can tear their fins easy.

Whiteron wrote: ↑Wed Sep 10, 2025 7:11 am My betta's been acting weird lately, fins clamped and not eating much. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tank's a 5 gallon with a sponge filter, heated to 78F. Anyone got tips on what's up with him?

Clamped fins and loss of appetite are classic stress signs. Could be water quality even if params seem fine. Try a 30% water change with conditioned water, and maybe add some Indian almond leaves. They're great for soothing bettas.

Whiteron wrote: ↑Wed Sep 10, 2025 7:11 am My betta's been acting weird lately, fins clamped and not eating much. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tank's a 5 gallon with a sponge filter, heated to 78F. Anyone got tips on what's up with him?

Clamped fins and loss of appetite are classic stress signs. Could be water quality even if params seem fine. Try a 30% water change with conditioned water, and maybe add some Indian almond leaves. They're great for soothing bettas.

I had a similar issue last month. Turned out my filter flow was too strong. Adjusted it and my betta chilled out in a couple days. Maybe check that?

Thanks for the suggestions, gonna try the water changes and check the filter flow. Appreciate the help!

coralhaven wrote: ↑Fri Sep 12, 2025 10:59 pm I had a similar issue last month. Turned out my filter flow was too strong. Adjusted it and my betta chilled out in a couple days. Maybe check that?

Yep, strong flow can mess with them. Bettas prefer calm water, so if your sponge filter's too aggressive, try baffling it with a bit of sponge or a plastic bottle.

coralhaven wrote: ↑Fri Sep 12, 2025 10:59 pm I had a similar issue last month. Turned out my filter flow was too strong. Adjusted it and my betta chilled out in a couple days. Maybe check that?

Yep, strong flow can mess with them. Bettas prefer calm water, so if your sponge filter's too aggressive, try baffling it with a bit of sponge or a plastic bottle.