Sick betta fish can be cured, much of the time, if you can figure out what is ailing your betta. Tiny white speckles, like sugar granules are probably a sign of Ich parasites while swollen body with puffed out scales is likely a signal your betta has Dropsy. Fins melting away? Fin rot is probably to blame but what if these obvious symptoms of disease aren’t present? What if … [Read more...] about The 4 Most Common Signs of Illness in Betta Fish
Illness & Disease
How to Disinfect (Sanitize) Your Aquarium with Bleach
Is Bleach Safe to Use in an Aquarium? The answer is yes. When used in the correct concentration, bleach can be used to clean an aquarium. We recommend mainly using bleach when completely cleaning out an aquarium. This may be when you have had a fish pass in this aquarium or it has been in storage for some time. Bleach should be used when boiling is not effective. Bleach is … [Read more...] about How to Disinfect (Sanitize) Your Aquarium with Bleach
Common Diseases Bettas Bring Home from the Fish Store – Velvet Disease
betta femmina, originally uploaded by altiebassi. Q: CSM wrote, Hey there, I was wondering if I could trouble you with a quick question. Three days ago I purchased a betta. At the time, he appeared to be in good health, and when i brought him home, he swam in his new tank and ate all of his food. On the third day, he stopped eating and is hanging out at the top of his tank. … [Read more...] about Common Diseases Bettas Bring Home from the Fish Store – Velvet Disease
Abdominal Bleeding in Betta with Dropsy
pastel rainbow / un arcoiris color pastel, originally uploaded by Citlali257. Q: SL wrote, My beta Spooky most definitely has dropsy, but out of all the articles i’ve read on it, none have talked about other problems I’m having with him, which is making me to believe this is a really bad case. He barely eats now and barely moves. He hangs out at the bottom of his bowl. When … [Read more...] about Abdominal Bleeding in Betta with Dropsy
Betta’s Body Turning Black
Q: YC wrote, Hi Christie! I love your site and your blog! They are very detailed and I admire how much time and effort you dedicate to this hobby. Bettas are beautiful, lovable fish and it’s nice to visit a site whose owner is not only knowledgeable, but with a deep fondness all betta owners can relate to. I have a question, and it’s not too urgent, but any help you can … [Read more...] about Betta’s Body Turning Black
Betta Illness Develops After New Fish Arrive
beauty in the bottle, originally uploaded by anzyAprico. Q: LM & SM wrote, What is your tank size? Dudley’s normal home is a 20 Gal Have you tested for ammonia- what were the results? Yes, I’m a bit of a fanatic here – I use the Mardel master kit strips at least twice a week. All readings are great. What temperature is your tank? Between 82 – 84 … [Read more...] about Betta Illness Develops After New Fish Arrive
Illness Passed from Locally Caught Fish
Yoshiko!, originally uploaded by Fabiz Rabbit©. Q: EW wrote, I am in quite a stand still with what is wrong with my betta and I do not want to lose him! A few days ago I noticed a “film” if you will on my fish. I did a complete water change, and the symptoms went away and the fish resumed it’s happy behavior. Last night I noticed a bit of the film had returned. When I woke … [Read more...] about Illness Passed from Locally Caught Fish
Betta Changes Color
Betta Close Up, originally uploaded by sammorrowphotography. Q: CL wrote, I have a Betta, my first fish. He is in a three gallon tank that has a filter and light. It’s the Eclipse System Tank and has a replaceable carbon filter. I feed him freeze dried blood worms. I see that after looking at your blog that is not good and I am changing that to frozen. He is a beautiful … [Read more...] about Betta Changes Color
Flavobacterium columnare (Cotton Wool Disease)
Tito, originally uploaded by guerogrande. Q: AS wrote, Hey. I have been in a dilemma over this problem for a whole week. My Betta fish lives in a rather big fish bowl with plastic plant. Recently, the tips of his fins have begun turning white and has two strands of whitish substance stuck to the fins. It started probably a week ago. My tank is of a nice temperature of 28 to … [Read more...] about Flavobacterium columnare (Cotton Wool Disease)
Dropsy: Ruling Out Constipation
Photo provided by original emailer. If abdominal bloating doesn’t subside after a few days of fasting, the diagnosis may turn to Dropsy. Q: AC wrote, I think i have a problem, for the last month my betta has been getting fatter and fatter. Until recently I thought it was just a bit of overfeeding. Then I saw your website and the message from SK on 2.22.2007. I have a very … [Read more...] about Dropsy: Ruling Out Constipation