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Microbe-Lift Betta Fish Health & Wellness
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- Health & Wellbeing
My betta has been having a hard time swimming recently because it looks like she's developed a curved spine in the last few weeks. I've also noticed that her gills are inflamed,, she's gasping for air, and her eyes may be a bit bulged. The only probl
Recheck water chemistry to confirm 0 ppm ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20 ppm or less. A pH of 7 is fine and they can adjust to more acidic water as long as the change is gradual. Temperature should range between 78 F and 80 F. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt or epsom salt) can be used as a general tonic to reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Perform partial water changes every couple of days to maintain water quality. Treat only the volume of water being replaced. Treat with aquarium salt for no more than 14 days then reassess the condition. An antibiotic, such as kanamycin or erythromycin, can be found in the aquarium section of the local Petco if the salt treatment doesn't help. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
Hi, I have a Betta fish and it is very low on energy level these days and it is losing his color.
Bettas are tropical fish. They need warm water. They do best between 78F and 80F. Clean water is key in treating any infection. Check water chemistry using a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. Aim for 0 ppm ammonia and nitrites with a 40ppm or less nitrate level. Perform partial water changes to stabilize chemistry and maintain water quality. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. A bit of aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) can be used as a general tonic to reduce stress, treat minor infection and aid in any recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days then reassess fin condition. More water changes can be done afterwards to reduce salinity.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
My betta Kiho is extremely anemic to the point were his cheeks are indenting like a persons, he has some clamped fins with red spots almost like they were rubbed raw and he’s lost most of his shimmer, almost like it was eaten away, some places it loo
Thanks for reaching out about Kiho. How often do you change out your food source. By the pictures, there seems to be a spinal curvature which is often associated with scurvy (vitamin C deficiencies). Vitamin C is not stable in foods. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostics/treatment plan. Anti-inflammatories could help mobility. Improving vitamin C at this point will not reverse changes. Check and correct water quality and pristine water is needed to recovery. Betta Fix does nothing but delay proper treatments. Good luck.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
Is my Betta fish sick? If so, how sick? And if he is sick, what can I do to help him get better, or is it too late?
Clamped fins are a sign of stress. This can be due to water quality or low water temperature. Ideally, a Betta should be kept in a tank no smaller than 2 gallons. A filter is recommended but water changes (using aged or conditioned water) can be done every week or two to maintain water quality. A heater is essential. Bettas do best between 78 F and 80 F. Feed him a good quality pelleted food, Hikari pellets are recommended.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
Hi, I own a crown tail betta fish, he is showing signs of discoloration, he is floating at the bottom of his bowl most of the time, and one of his fins is breaking. How can I treat him?
These are very generic but concerning signs. A quite radical but logic approach is needed. Begin by submitting a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. Clinical examination should always include a water quality check, even if you have done so already. Water testing should be performed with a quality test kit, measuring NH4, NO2 and NO3. High ammonia levels, PH imbalances may be responsible for these signs. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. If water quality is good and there are no major imbalances, your fish should get examined to look for any sign of bacterial/fungal infection and eventually water should be treated. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
