How to Treat Betta Fungus With Epsom Salt

Fungal infections are a common problem that affects betta splendens. It is sometimes hard to identify what type of fungus you are dealing with and they can be hard to treat. One treatment that seems to help with many fish diseases, such as constipation, dropsy and fungal and bacterial infections, is a salt bath. There are two different kinds of salt baths, Epsom salt and aquarium salt. Aquarium salt can be used in the tank or as a bath but Epsom salt can only be used for short amounts of time in a bath. These baths can boost the betta's immune system and help fight off disease.

Things You'll Need

• Extra tank or other container to hold fish
• Epsom salt

Instructions

1. Take some water from the tank and fill an extra tank or container so that the bath is the same temperature and water chemistry and doesn't stress your fish. Measure your water as you remove it so you can add the proper amount of salt.

2. Add no more than one tablespoon of Epsom salt per gallon of water. A weaker solution should be used first and later a stronger bath can be used if the condition doesn't improve.

3. Keep the betta in the Epsom salt bath for 15 to 30 minutes or until the fish looks stressed. You can tell a fish is stressed when it acts abnormally or seems to be gasping for air.

4. Refill your fish tank with dechlorinated water that is the same temperature as the water you took out.

5. Return your betta to its tank using a net or a similar method that will not transfer the salt water to your tank.

Tips & Warnings

• For best results, also treat the fungus with an anti-fungal such as Protozin or Melafix.

References

• Disease Treatments for Bettas

Resources

• Fish Stress Signals: What Are They?