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How to treat Betta fish parasites
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 2:31 pm
by folkset
I noticed my betta has white spots on its fins and body, and it's scratching against the tank decor. What's the best way to treat this? Tank is 5 gallons, heated to 78F, and I do weekly water changes.
Re: How to treat Betta fish parasites
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 3:27 pm
by wavy_b
Sounds like ich. You'll need to raise the temp to 86F gradually over 48 hours and add aquarium salt (1 tsp per gallon). Keep it there for 10 days. Also, dose with an ich med like Kordon Rid Ich. Make sure to remove any carbon from your filter.
Re: How to treat Betta fish parasites
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 3:59 pm
by spance
wavy_b wrote: ↑Sun Aug 10, 2025 3:27 pm
Sounds like ich. You'll need to raise the temp to 86F gradually over 48 hours and add aquarium salt (1 tsp per gallon). Keep it there for 10 days. Also, dose with an ich med like Kordon Rid Ich. Make sure to remove any carbon from your filter.
Yep, this is solid advice. I'd also recommend turning off the lights during treatment, as some meds can degrade faster under light. And keep an eye on your fish's breathing, higher temps lower oxygen levels.
Re: How to treat Betta fish parasites
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 5:13 pm
by Kazuri
If it's not ich, could be velvet. Look for a gold or rust-colored dust on the body. For velvet, you'll need copper-based meds like Cupramine. But be careful, copper can mess with inverts if you have any in the tank.
Re: How to treat Betta fish parasites
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 5:23 pm
by lordix
I've had success with Paraguard for mild parasite cases. It's gentle and works for a range of issues. Just follow the dosage instructions and keep up with water changes. How's your betta acting aside from the scratching?
Re: How to treat Betta fish parasites
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 7:22 pm
by folkset
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try raising the temp and using aquarium salt first. He's still eating but seems less active than usual.
Re: How to treat Betta fish parasites
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 8:25 pm
by vague
Less activity is common with parasites. Make sure you're not overfeeding during treatment, as uneaten food can worsen water quality. What's your current feeding routine?
Re: How to treat Betta fish parasites
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 9:49 pm
by flavormix
I swear by garlic guard soaked pellets when treating parasites. It boosts their immune system and makes meds more effective. Just a drop or two on their food before feeding.
Re: How to treat Betta fish parasites
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 11:37 pm
by mikebank
My dude had ich last year, and the salt trick worked like a charm. Just make sure you dissolve it in tank water before adding, don't just dump it in.
Re: How to treat Betta fish parasites
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 11:43 pm
by jazlyn
How often should I do water changes during treatment? I've heard mixed things about whether to change water or not.