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Betta fish and health recovery strategies
Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2025 11:30 am
by luxora
My betta's been acting sluggish lately, fins look a bit clamped. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tank's a 5 gallon with a sponge filter, heated to 78. Any ideas what's up?
Re: Betta fish and health recovery strategies
Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2025 4:00 pm
by weststar
Clamped fins can mean stress or early signs of illness. How often do you do water changes? Sometimes even with good params, buildup of organics can mess with them. Also, check for any sharp decor.
Re: Betta fish and health recovery strategies
Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2025 9:00 pm
by treetech
luxora wrote: ↑Mon Sep 22, 2025 11:30 am
My betta's been acting sluggish lately, fins look a bit clamped. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tank's a 5 gallon with a sponge filter, heated to 78. Any ideas what's up?
Could be a bacterial thing. Try adding some Indian almond leaves, they're great for soothing bettas. Also, bump the temp to 80 if your heater can handle it, helps their immune system.
Re: Betta fish and health recovery strategies
Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2025 9:00 pm
by treetech
luxora wrote: ↑Mon Sep 22, 2025 11:30 am
My betta's been acting sluggish lately, fins look a bit clamped. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tank's a 5 gallon with a sponge filter, heated to 78. Any ideas what's up?
Could be a bacterial thing. Try adding some Indian almond leaves, they're great for soothing bettas. Also, bump the temp to 80 if your heater can handle it, helps their immune system.
Re: Betta fish and health recovery strategies
Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2025 11:42 pm
by peacock12
Mine did that once, turned out the flow from the filter was too strong. Maybe check if yours is getting pushed around too much?
Re: Betta fish and health recovery strategies
Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2025 5:26 am
by Lumina
Agree with treetech on the temp increase. Also, what's your feeding routine? Overfeeding can cause issues even if params seem fine. Stick to small portions twice a day.
Re: Betta fish and health recovery strategies
Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2025 10:05 am
by frogpond
Yep, mine was a picky eater too. Tried fasting for a day then offering frozen brine shrimp, perked right up. Sometimes they just need a lil variety, ya know?
Re: Betta fish and health recovery strategies
Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2025 10:12 am
by Genie
weststar wrote: ↑Mon Sep 22, 2025 4:00 pm
Clamped fins can mean stress or early signs of illness. How often do you do water changes? Sometimes even with good params, buildup of organics can mess with them. Also, check for any sharp decor.
Solid advice. OP, if you're doing weekly changes, try upping to twice a week for a bit. And yeah, sand down any rough edges if you find 'em.
Re: Betta fish and health recovery strategies
Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2025 10:17 am
by bubbly
Mine got like that after I added a new plant. Turns out it was leaching something sketchy. Maybe test your tap water too, just in case?
Re: Betta fish and health recovery strategies
Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2025 10:33 am
by eleNt
If all else fails, a salt bath might help. Use aquarium salt, 1 tsp per gallon in a separate container, let 'em soak for 10-15 mins. Just don't overdo it.