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Betta fish and fin rot prevention
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 3:02 pm
by folkset
My betta's fins look a bit ragged lately. I do weekly water changes, 20%, in a 5-gallon tank with a sponge filter. Temp stays at 78F. What else can I do to prevent fin rot?
Re: Betta fish and fin rot prevention
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 3:46 pm
by fattiger
Yo, fin rot's a pain but fixable. First, check your water params, ammonia and nitrite gotta be zero. If they're not, that's your culprit. Also, maybe bump those water changes to 30%, twice a week till it clears. I'd add some Indian almond leaves, they're clutch for healing.
Re: Betta fish and fin rot prevention
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 5:29 pm
by mystiko
fattiger wrote: ↑Thu Aug 14, 2025 3:46 pm
Yo, fin rot's a pain but fixable. First, check your water params, ammonia and nitrite gotta be zero. If they're not, that's your culprit. Also, maybe bump those water changes to 30%, twice a week till it clears. I'd add some Indian almond leaves, they're clutch for healing.
Agreed on the almond leaves. They've worked wonders for my fish. Also, make sure there's nothing sharp in the tank tearing their fins.
Re: Betta fish and fin rot prevention
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 7:25 pm
by goldfishy
I've had success with aquarium salt, just a teaspoon per gallon. It's gentle but effective. Also, what's your feeding routine? Overfeeding can mess with water quality big time.
Re: Betta fish and fin rot prevention
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 8:48 pm
by SwanLander
My dude had fin rot last month. Did the salt thing and upped water changes. He's all good now. Just gotta stay on top of it.
Re: Betta fish and fin rot prevention
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 9:18 pm
by boxreef
I'd skip the salt if you've got live plants. It can stress them out. Focus on clean water and maybe a betta-specific antibiotic if it's bad.
Re: Betta fish and fin rot prevention
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 9:44 pm
by farmon
goldfishy wrote: ↑Thu Aug 14, 2025 7:25 pm
I've had success with aquarium salt, just a teaspoon per gallon. It's gentle but effective. Also, what's your feeding routine? Overfeeding can mess with water quality big time.
Salt's a solid move, but yeah, gotta watch the plants. I feed mine twice a day, just a pinch. Any more and the tank gets sketchy fast.
Re: Betta fish and fin rot prevention
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 11:43 pm
by folkset
Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll test the water again and try the almond leaves. Appreciate the help!
Re: Betta fish and fin rot prevention
Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2025 1:07 am
by fattiger
No prob. Keep us posted. Oh, and if you're using tap water, double-check your conditioner. Some of 'em don't cut it for heavy metals.
Re: Betta fish and fin rot prevention
Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2025 2:02 am
by mystiko
Good point on the conditioner. I switched to Seachem Prime last year and it's been a game-changer.