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how to treat popeye in Bettas
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 4:48 am
by Cobyx
My betta's eyes are lookin' all swollen, like popeye. What's the best way to treat this? Tank's a 5 gallon, heated to 78, filtered with a sponge. Been doin' weekly water changes, 25%, but it's been like this for a few days now.
Re: how to treat popeye in Bettas
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 5:16 am
by OceanBloom9
Popeye's usually from bacterial infections or poor water quality. First, test your water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. If those are good, try treating with aquarium salt, 1 tsp per gallon, and maybe an antibiotic like erythromycin. Keep the water super clean, maybe bump changes to 30% every few days.
Re: how to treat popeye in Bettas
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 6:43 am
by fruitygal
OceanBloom9 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 04, 2025 5:16 am
Popeye's usually from bacterial infections or poor water quality. First, test your water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. If those are good, try treating with aquarium salt, 1 tsp per gallon, and maybe an antibiotic like erythromycin. Keep the water super clean, maybe bump changes to 30% every few days.
Yep, agree with this. Also, make sure your filter isn't too strong, 'cause stress can make it worse. What's your betta's behavior like? Still eating?
Re: how to treat popeye in Bettas
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 7:40 am
by pixelion
Man, popeye's a pain. Had it once, thought my fish was gonna kick it. Salt helped, but honestly, kanaplex was the real MVP. Just don't go overboard with meds, 'cause that's sketchy too. How long's it been since you noticed the swelling?
Re: how to treat popeye in Bettas
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 9:15 am
by flameon
Gotta second the water testing. If params are off, no meds gonna cut it. Also, check for any sharp decor. Sometimes physical damage starts it. My guy got it from a crappy plastic plant.
Re: how to treat popeye in Bettas
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 10:10 am
by phytowave
Hope your fish feels better soon! Clean water's key, like everyone's saying. Maybe add some Indian almond leaves too, they've got antibacterial properties and can help soothe the fish.
Re: how to treat popeye in Bettas
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 11:49 am
by Cobyx
Thanks for the tips, y'all. Gonna test the water tonight and grab some salt. He's still eating, just slower than usual. Appreciate the help!
Re: how to treat popeye in Bettas
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 1:47 pm
by OceanBloom9
Cobyx wrote: ↑Mon Aug 04, 2025 11:49 am
Thanks for the tips, y'all. Gonna test the water tonight and grab some salt. He's still eating, just slower than usual. Appreciate the help!
Good to hear he's eating. Keep an eye on the swelling, and if it doesn't improve in a week, consider the antibiotics. Let us know how it goes.
Re: how to treat popeye in Bettas
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 3:39 pm
by fruitygal
Also, if you're using salt, remember to dissolve it in tank water before adding. Dumping it straight in can irritate the fish more. Learned that the hard way.
Re: how to treat popeye in Bettas
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 4:01 pm
by pixelion
fruitygal wrote: ↑Mon Aug 04, 2025 3:39 pm
Also, if you're using salt, remember to dissolve it in tank water before adding. Dumping it straight in can irritate the fish more. Learned that the hard way.
Oh yeah, that's a pro tip. Almost nuked my shrimp tank once doin' that. Not a chill vibe.