Who Gives A Fish Forums

My betta's got this weird gold dust on him, looks like velvet disease. Tank's a 5 gallon, heated to 78, filtered with a sponge. Been doing weekly water changes but he's still acting off, not eating much. What's the best way to treat this without messing up the cycle?

Velvet's nasty stuff. First thing, dim the lights, it hates that. Raise the temp to 82 slowly over a day. You'll need meds, like copper-based treatment, but be careful with dosing in a small tank. How long's he been like this?

I've heard salt baths can help. Non-iodized aquarium salt, 1 tbsp per gallon for 10 minutes max. But only if he's strong enough. What's his behavior like besides not eating?

foxlyn wrote: ↑Fri Aug 22, 2025 10:28 pm Velvet's nasty stuff. First thing, dim the lights, it hates that. Raise the temp to 82 slowly over a day. You'll need meds, like copper-based treatment, but be careful with dosing in a small tank. How long's he been like this?

Yep, copper's the way to go. I'd also add Indian almond leaves, they've got anti-parasitic properties. How often are you testing the water?

Thanks for the tips. He's been like this for about 3 days. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. I'll grab some copper meds and try the temp raise. Gonna skip the salt for now, he's pretty weak.

Smart call on holding off the salt. Keep us posted. If he doesn't improve in a couple days, you might need to isolate him. What's your water change routine like?

Isolation tank's a good idea if you've got one. Bare bottom, no substrate, easier to clean. You got any tankmates in there with him?

knightx wrote: ↑Sat Aug 23, 2025 3:48 am Isolation tank's a good idea if you've got one. Bare bottom, no substrate, easier to clean. You got any tankmates in there with him?

Yeah, and if you don't have a spare tank, a big clean bucket with a heater works in a pinch. Just make sure it's cycled.

No tankmates, just him. I do weekly 25% changes, vacuum the gravel. I'll set up a hospital tank tonight. Appreciate the help, guys.