How to prevent velvet disease in Bettas

[leathyr]

My betta's been acting weird lately, like rubbing against stuff and looking kinda dusty. I'm worried it's velvet. What's the best way to stop this before it gets worse? Tank's a 5 gallon, heated to 78, filtered, with weekly 25% water changes. Parameters are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate.

[aidzone]

Velvet's nasty but preventable. First, quarantine new plants or tankmates, they're common carriers. Second, keep stress low—stable temps, no sudden changes. Third, dim lighting helps since the parasite thrives in bright light. Lastly, consider a UV sterilizer if you've had outbreaks before. Your params sound solid, so focus on prevention.

[Fernox]

Velvet's nasty but preventable. First, quarantine new plants or tankmates, they're common carriers. Second, keep stress low—stable temps, no sudden changes. Third, dim lighting helps since the parasite thrives in bright light. Lastly, consider a UV sterilizer if you've had outbreaks before. Your params sound solid, so focus on prevention.

Totally agree! Also, if you spot early signs, bump the temp to 82 for a few days. It slows the parasite down. Just watch your fish's behavior—some don't tolerate higher heat well.

[guppy]

I've had success with aquarium salt at 1 tsp per gallon for mild cases. But prevention's key—avoid overcrowding and keep the tank clean. Oh, and skip the live food from sketchy sources. Had a buddy lose a betta to contaminated bloodworms once.

[dougmac]

Quarantine is huge. I lost half my community tank to velvet years ago because I didn't quarantine a new snail. Now everything goes in a hospital tank for two weeks first. Pain in the butt, but worth it.

[leathyr]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna dim the lights and try the temp bump. Should I add salt preemptively, or only if I see symptoms?

[breezymist]

Hold off on salt unless you're sure it's velvet. Overusing it can mess with their kidneys long-term. Instead, focus on water quality and stress reduction. Maybe add some Indian almond leaves—they've got mild antifungal properties and bettas love the tannins.

[anglerix]

Second the almond leaves! Also, if you're really paranoid, a dab of copper-based meds in the quarantine tank can nuke anything hitching a ride on new fish. Just never use copper with inverts, obvs.

[lyric]

Second the almond leaves! Also, if you're really paranoid, a dab of copper-based meds in the quarantine tank can nuke anything hitching a ride on new fish. Just never use copper with inverts, obvs.

Be careful with copper though—some bettas are super sensitive. Always dose under the recommended amount and watch for clamped fins or lethargy.

[whisker]

How often do you guys replace filter media? I heard old sponges can harbor parasites.