how to treat Betta fish bacterial infections

[oceanis]

My betta has been acting sluggish and I noticed some white patches on its fins. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. What's the best way to treat this?

[carpenter]

Sounds like a bacterial infection. I'd start with aquarium salt, 1 tsp per gallon, and keep the water super clean. Daily 25% water changes can help. If it doesn't improve in a few days, you might need antibiotics like kanamycin or erythromycin.

[pawsome]

Sounds like a bacterial infection. I'd start with aquarium salt, 1 tsp per gallon, and keep the water super clean. Daily 25% water changes can help. If it doesn't improve in a few days, you might need antibiotics like kanamycin or erythromycin.

Totally agree. Also, raise the temp to 82°F if you can, it speeds up their immune response. Just make sure your heater can handle it.

[bronzo99]

Yeah, salt's a good first step. I've had luck with API Fin & Body Cure too. Just be careful with meds, some can crash your cycle. Maybe move the fish to a hospital tank if you've got one.

[guitar]

If you're using antibiotics, make sure to remove any carbon from your filter first. It'll just soak up the meds and make 'em useless. And yeah, hospital tank's ideal if you can swing it.

[dreamy]

My dude had something similar last month. Did the salt thing and bumped the heat, cleared up in like 4 days. Just watch for stress, yeah? Bettas can be drama queens about changes.

[oceanis]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll start with salt and water changes and see how it goes.

[linden]

Good call. Keep us posted. Oh, and if you're using salt, remember to dissolve it in tank water before adding it. Dumping it straight in can irritate their slime coat.

[azurjon]

Had a similar scare last year. Turned out my filter was too strong and stressing the fish, which made him more prone to infections. Maybe check your flow too while you're at it?

[otterix]

Pro tip: if you're gonna use meds, grab some Seachem Prime to detoxify any ammonia spikes. Hospital tanks can go sideways fast without a cycled filter.