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How to treat Betta fish eye problems
Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2025 9:41 pm
by northstar
My betta's eyes look cloudy and swollen, kinda like they've got a film over them. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tank's a 5 gallon with a sponge filter, heated to 78F. Anyone dealt with this before?
Re: How to treat Betta fish eye problems
Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2025 11:36 pm
by treetech
Cloudy eyes can be from bacterial or fungal infections, or even poor water quality. Since your params are solid, it's likely bacterial. Try treating with erythromycin or kanamycin. Also, bump the temp to 80F to help their immune system. How often are you doing water changes?
Re: How to treat Betta fish eye problems
Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2025 12:46 am
by flake
treetech wrote: ↑Mon Aug 18, 2025 11:36 pm
Cloudy eyes can be from bacterial or fungal infections, or even poor water quality. Since your params are solid, it's likely bacterial. Try treating with erythromycin or kanamycin. Also, bump the temp to 80F to help their immune system. How often are you doing water changes?
Yep, seconding the temp increase. I had a similar issue last year and raising the temp plus daily 20% water changes cleared it up in a week. What's your substrate? Dirty gravel can sometimes mess with their eyes.
Re: How to treat Betta fish eye problems
Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2025 12:57 am
by Avalon
If it's fungal, methylene blue dips can help. But bacterial is more common. Is the fish rubbing against decor? That could mean parasites. Also, check for any sharp edges in the tank. Injured eyes are prone to infections.
Re: How to treat Betta fish eye problems
Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2025 2:26 am
by laki
My dude had this last month, turned out to be popeye. Used API Fin & Body Cure and it worked like a charm. You gotta act fast though, it can get nasty. How's their appetite? If they're not eating, that's a bad sign.
Re: How to treat Betta fish eye problems
Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2025 3:36 am
by northstar
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try raising the temp and grab some erythromycin. Water changes are weekly, 25%, but I'll up it to daily. Substrate is sand, so shouldn't be an issue. They're still eating, just slower than usual.
Re: How to treat Betta fish eye problems
Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2025 5:05 am
by thart
Good call on the meds. Keep the tank dim too, bright light can stress them when they're already dealing with eye issues. And skip the salt unless it's a last resort, some bettas don't tolerate it well.
Re: How to treat Betta fish eye problems
Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2025 6:26 am
by flutterm
My betta had cloudy eyes once, turned out the filter flow was too strong and they were getting stressed. Maybe check that? Also, what kinda food you feeding? High-quality stuff can help them fight off infections.
Re: How to treat Betta fish eye problems
Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2025 7:33 am
by Kazora
If the erythromycin doesn't cut it, try a broader-spectrum antibiotic like Maracyn Two. Sometimes the infection's stubborn. And yeah, stress is a huge factor, so keep the tank quiet and stable.
Re: How to treat Betta fish eye problems
Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2025 7:57 am
by azurk
I've heard Indian almond leaves can help with eye issues. They've got antibacterial properties and might chill your fish out. Just toss one in and let it steep. Cheap and natural fix if you wanna try it.