how to treat velvet disease in Bettas

[fin_chum]

My betta's got this weird gold dust on him, looks like velvet disease. What's the best way to treat it without messing up my tank? Tank's a 10 gallon, planted, with a sponge filter. Parameters are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. He's still eating but seems sluggish.

[Riverman]

Velvet's nasty stuff. First thing, dim the lights since the parasite thrives in light. Raise the temp to 82-86F if your heater can handle it. Use copper-based meds like Cupramine, but be careful with inverts. Dose exactly as the bottle says, and keep an eye on your fish's stress levels.

[BoldRom]

Yep, Riverman's got it right. I'd add aquarium salt too, 1 tsp per gallon. Helps with the slime coat. Also, do small daily water changes, like 10%, to keep the water pristine. How's your betta reacting to the meds so far?

[fin_chum]

Velvet's nasty stuff. First thing, dim the lights since the parasite thrives in light. Raise the temp to 82-86F if your heater can handle it. Use copper-based meds like Cupramine, but be careful with inverts. Dose exactly as the bottle says, and keep an eye on your fish's stress levels.

Thanks, gonna try the Cupramine. My heater's adjustable, so I'll bump it up. No inverts in there, so that's a plus.

[turtle9]

Man, velvet's sketchy. Had it wipe out half my tank once. You sure it's not just stress colors? Either way, salt's a good call. Also, maybe throw in some Indian almond leaves if you got 'em. Helps with the stress.

[RavenFly]

Yo, fin_chum, you got this! Just don't overdo the meds, yeah? And keep the tank dark, like Riverman said. My dude had velvet last year, and the dim lights made a huge diff. He bounced back in like a week.

[waverly]

I've heard mixed things about copper meds. Some say they're harsh. Has anyone tried herbal remedies? Like garlic extract or something? Just curious.

[Riverman]

I've heard mixed things about copper meds. Some say they're harsh. Has anyone tried herbal remedies? Like garlic extract or something? Just curious.

Garlic's great for appetite but won't kill velvet. Copper's the only thing that's proven to work. Just follow the dosage, and you'll be fine.

[BoldRom]

How's your betta doing, fin_chum? Any improvement with the meds and salt?

[fin_chum]

How's your betta doing, fin_chum? Any improvement with the meds and salt?

He's looking a bit better today, less gold dust. Still not super active, but he ate a couple pellets. Gonna keep up with the salt and meds for now.