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how to treat velvet disease in Bettas
Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2025 11:15 pm
by 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.
Re: how to treat velvet disease in Bettas
Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2025 11:41 pm
by 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.
Re: how to treat velvet disease in Bettas
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2025 1:08 am
by 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?
Re: how to treat velvet disease in Bettas
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2025 1:19 am
by fin_chum
Riverman wrote: ↑Fri Aug 01, 2025 11:41 pm
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.
Re: how to treat velvet disease in Bettas
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2025 2:50 am
by 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.
Re: how to treat velvet disease in Bettas
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2025 3:47 am
by 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.
Re: how to treat velvet disease in Bettas
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2025 4:21 am
by 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.
Re: how to treat velvet disease in Bettas
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2025 4:40 am
by Riverman
waverly wrote: ↑Sat Aug 02, 2025 4:21 am
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.
Re: how to treat velvet disease in Bettas
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2025 6:24 am
by BoldRom
How's your betta doing, fin_chum? Any improvement with the meds and salt?
Re: how to treat velvet disease in Bettas
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2025 8:19 am
by fin_chum
BoldRom wrote: ↑Sat Aug 02, 2025 6:24 am
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.