Page 1 of 2
how to prevent dropsy in Bettas
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2025 10:58 pm
by tides_roll
I've been keeping bettas for a while now, but dropsy still freaks me out. What's the best way to prevent it? My tank's a 5-gallon with a sponge filter, heated to 78F, and I do weekly 25% water changes. Just wanna make sure I'm not missing anything.
Re: how to prevent dropsy in Bettas
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2025 12:47 am
by joeboy9
Dropsy's usually a sign of poor water quality or stress. You're on the right track with the water changes, but maybe bump it up to twice a week if you can. Also, check your params—ammonia and nitrites should always be zero, and nitrates under 20ppm. A balanced diet helps too, don't overfeed.
Re: how to prevent dropsy in Bettas
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2025 1:05 am
by flour
joeboy9 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 03, 2025 12:47 am
Dropsy's usually a sign of poor water quality or stress. You're on the right track with the water changes, but maybe bump it up to twice a week if you can. Also, check your params—ammonia and nitrites should always be zero, and nitrates under 20ppm. A balanced diet helps too, don't overfeed.
Yep, totally agree. I've had success with adding a bit of aquarium salt during water changes, just a teaspoon per gallon. It's helped keep my fish chill and healthy.
Re: how to prevent dropsy in Bettas
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2025 2:21 am
by harmony
My dude got dropsy once, and it was sketchy. Turns out the filter was too strong, stressing him out. Switched to a gentler one, and he's been golden since. Maybe check if your flow's too intense?
Re: how to prevent dropsy in Bettas
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2025 3:39 am
by Fenririx
I'm new to this, but my LFS told me to avoid overfeeding. They said bloating can lead to dropsy. I feed mine 2-3 pellets twice a day, and he's doing great. Also, keep the tank clean, like everyone's saying.
Re: how to prevent dropsy in Bettas
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2025 3:49 am
by tides_roll
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna test my water more often and maybe tweak the feeding routine. Appreciate it!
Re: how to prevent dropsy in Bettas
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2025 5:44 am
by joeboy9
harmony wrote: ↑Sun Aug 03, 2025 2:21 am
My dude got dropsy once, and it was sketchy. Turns out the filter was too strong, stressing him out. Switched to a gentler one, and he's been golden since. Maybe check if your flow's too intense?
Good point! Bettas hate strong currents. If your sponge filter's too much, try baffling it with a piece of sponge or a water bottle cut to diffuse the flow.
Re: how to prevent dropsy in Bettas
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2025 7:29 am
by flour
Another thing—stress can come from tankmates. If you've got other fish in there, make sure they're not bullying your betta. Mine's solo, and he's way happier that way.
Re: how to prevent dropsy in Bettas
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2025 9:15 am
by harmony
flour wrote: ↑Sun Aug 03, 2025 7:29 am
Another thing—stress can come from tankmates. If you've got other fish in there, make sure they're not bullying your betta. Mine's solo, and he's way happier that way.
True that. My guy was in with some tetras, and they were nipping his fins. Moved him to his own tank, and he's thriving now.
Re: how to prevent dropsy in Bettas
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2025 10:23 am
by Fenririx
How often do you guys test your water? I've been doing it weekly, but wondering if that's enough.