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how to prevent fungal infections in Bettas
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 12:43 pm
by MouthFullofFish
My betta's fins look kinda fuzzy lately, and I'm worried it might be fungal. What's the best way to stop this before it gets worse? Tank's a 5-gallon with a sponge filter, heated to 78F, and I do weekly water changes.
Re: how to prevent fungal infections in Bettas
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 1:23 pm
by FinGuru
Fungal infections often pop up when water quality dips or stress weakens their immune system. First, test your water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Even if params seem fine, bump water changes to twice a week for a bit. Add Indian almond leaves—they've got antifungal properties and help soothe the fish. If it's already advanced, a mild antifungal like methylene blue baths can cut it.
Re: how to prevent fungal infections in Bettas
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 2:14 pm
by Briteon
Yep, FinGuru's spot on. Also, check if your filter flow's too strong. Bettas hate current, and stress makes 'em prone to infections. I'd skip the salt unless it's real bad, 'cause it can mess with their slime coat long-term.
Re: how to prevent fungal infections in Bettas
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 3:49 pm
by turbo2
Water changes are critical. Fungus thrives in dirty water. Test your tap water too—sometimes it's got traces of chlorine or heavy metals that stress the fish. Use a conditioner that neutralizes both.
Re: how to prevent fungal infections in Bettas
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 4:56 pm
by fusion9
FinGuru wrote: ↑Sat Aug 09, 2025 1:23 pm
Fungal infections often pop up when water quality dips or stress weakens their immune system. First, test your water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Even if params seem fine, bump water changes to twice a week for a bit. Add Indian almond leaves—they've got antifungal properties and help soothe the fish. If it's already advanced, a mild antifungal like methylene blue baths can cut it.
Totally agree. I'd also dim the lights for a few days. Less stress, faster healing. And if you've got tankmates, make sure they're not nipping at the betta's fins.
Re: how to prevent fungal infections in Bettas
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 6:38 pm
by zeni9x
My guy had this last year. I did daily 10% water changes and added a bit of aquarium salt. Cleared up in a week. Just don't overdo the salt—it's easy to mess up the dosage.
Re: how to prevent fungal infections in Bettas
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 8:12 pm
by mistyk
If you're using meds, remove any carbon from your filter first. It'll absorb the treatment and make it useless. Also, keep the tank clean but don't scrub everything—you wanna keep some beneficial bacteria.
Re: how to prevent fungal infections in Bettas
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 8:46 pm
by frostlyn
Prevention's key once you've got it under control. I feed my bettas a varied diet with frozen foods to boost their immune system. Healthy fish fight off fungus way better.
Re: how to prevent fungal infections in Bettas
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 9:55 pm
by chippy
Never had fungus, but my tank's planted. Plants help keep the water clean and stable. Maybe add some easy ones like java fern if you don't have any.
Re: how to prevent fungal infections in Bettas
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 11:36 pm
by motto
Briteon wrote: ↑Sat Aug 09, 2025 2:14 pm
Yep, FinGuru's spot on. Also, check if your filter flow's too strong. Bettas hate current, and stress makes 'em prone to infections. I'd skip the salt unless it's real bad, 'cause it can mess with their slime coat long-term.
This. My betta was stressed till I baffled the filter with a sponge. Now he's chill and fungus-free.