| It is said that an ounce of prevention is worth a | | | | Buy a one gallon bowl or jar for holding and |
| pound of cure. While this is definitely the case with | | | | treating fish. When you remove sick bettas to |
| bettas, once they become sick, their condition can | | | | this tank, use the water they were already in and |
| deteriorate quickly. That is why you want to be | | | | acclimated to, as to lessen the shock of moving. |
| ready in advance with all the tools you will need if | | | | Keep some antibacterial soap on hand for |
| your fish contracts any of the many betta | | | | yourself, as you definitely do not want to spread |
| diseases. | | | | disease to your healthy fish after handling sick |
| You might think that you can always head out to | | | | ones. |
| the local pet store if and when you notice your | | | | Buy rubber gloves and a scrub brush that you |
| fish are unhealthy. There are two major problems | | | | use specifically for tank cleaning and water |
| with this strategy. First, by the time symptoms | | | | changes and nothing else. I was at a friend's |
| appear on your fish, the betta diseases causing | | | | house once, and suggested that his tank was |
| those symptoms have already been growing, and | | | | behind time for a cleaning. He promptly went to |
| becoming stronger, and your fish weaker. This | | | | his kitchen and returned with a scrub brush. Yikes! |
| means a longer recovery time, and a smaller | | | | No matter how hard you clean, you may transfer |
| window for treatment. Second, the store may be | | | | chemicals to you betta's tank. Only use tools that |
| out of whatever meds or tools you need. That | | | | are specifically for your betta tank. |
| could spell disaster for your betta. | | | | Betta diseases are all different, but a few |
| The first thing you will want to purchase for your | | | | chemicals treat many of them. Tetracychlin is a |
| betta first aid kit is sea salt, or aquarium salt. You | | | | good all around treatment for many betta |
| do not need much, and it is very inexpensive. | | | | bacteria, and can be found at most pet stores. |
| When treating bettas in a recovery tank or | | | | The more difficult betta diseases need to be |
| bucket, generally a couple tablespoons per gallon | | | | treated on an individual basis, but some of the |
| of water is needed. You will also find that | | | | better meds for these are kanamycin and |
| placement of a tablespoon per gallon of tank | | | | ampicillin. As always, consult manufacturer's labels |
| water does wonders for your fish during tank | | | | for proper application. |
| water changes. | | | | |