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My Betta fish has fin rot and is not moving after treatment. Help!

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Fish | Betta | Male | unneutered

HI my Betta fish male vail tail has a finrot so i cleaned all tank, i added stress zyme, water conditioner and fin rot treatment but now he is just lying at the bottom of the tank not movin. when i gently tap him with a fish net he will mkove a little bbut freeze again.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 24th, 2018

By your description, it could be fin rot and a bacterial infection.  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.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Todd Cecil

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Thanks for reaching out about your Betta fish. Continue to monitor water quality and correct problems. Water conditioner needs to be added to the water to allow mixing time, prior to adding to the aquarium, otherwise the fish is subjected to chlorine and chloramines. Fin rot is often a result of poor water quality and secondary infections. A veterinary visit might be needed to prescribe systemic antibiotics. Good luck.

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