General Steps for Illness Prevention
Composed by: Crystal, Healthy Betta. Modified by: Rachel, Healthy Betta (2004).

1. If you have a betta die - scald the old bowl
Many fungal and bacterial growths, as well as parasites, can live in adverse conditions. When your betta passes on, it is possible the reason he/she died is still present in the tank or bowl. By cleaning the bowl thoroughly you can kill whatever lurks and prevent passing it on to a new betta.

2. Sick tanks are a must
If you have your betta in a tank with other fish, be sure you have another tank on hand for a sick tank. By isolating the sick fish you can save a lot of headache and money by keeping the problem from spreading to the other fish - betta included.

3. Change the water regularly
This is a must! For uncycled fish tanks a 100% water change should be given at least weekly for 1-gallon tanks, every 2 weeks for 2 gallons (with possible partial changes in-between) and so forth. Watch your ammonia levels - you want to change your water frequently enough that you never get ammonia readings in your tank. In addition to this, never subject your betta to fast, unplanned water changes. Try to keep the temperature and the pH of the new water the same as what was previously in the tank. For more information about water type, conditioners, etc. please view Water Changes or Water Type, Parameters & Test Kits.

4. Wash YOUR hands and any other items you use in multiple tanks
Of course we push only having one net per tank and one this per tank and one that per tank - but it can get very expensive. If you wash things, including your hands, before each tank use or directly after, this will prevent the spreading of infections and diseases between fish. By washing your hands you also avoid getting lotion or grime from hands into fish tanks that could cause possible illness.

5. Do not overfeed your betta
By feeding your betta the way he should be fed, you can prevent problems like constipation and swim bladder disease. A full-grown betta's stomach is approximately the size of his eyeball. Please keep in mind this is a general estimate as different bettas may require different amounts of food based on their age, size, etc.

What should a betta eat?

6. Always remove uneaten food
Yes - if he doesn't eat it, take it out! The food decomposes just as anything else and can polute the water, raising toxic ammonia levels. A turkey baster is a useful tool to have on hand - a simple suction can remove the tiniest of particles from the water. Remember to clean it with scalding hot water between uses and never use it in multiple tanks at one time. You can pass an infection from one tank to the other.

7. Watch your bettas
When you feed your betta - watch. When your betta rests - watch. You will notice normal patterns of behavior which will make illnesses much easier to identify. If you don't feel good you don't do everything you normally would - neither will your betta.

8. Remove any dead fish or snails
Do not let 'nature take its course' and allow other tank mates to eat it. It is not best! The decomposing body in the tank will pollute the water and promote bacterial and fungal growth. This can easily cause illness in your tank.

9. Keep bettas warm enough

A happy and healthy betta needs to be kept between 76-82 degrees. Temperature should be stable and not vary more than 2 degrees between night and day. A thermometer is a must to monitor the temperature for your betta.

10. Have questions about betta care?
Don't hesitate to ask! Contact helpful and experienced members on our betta forum.

Healthy Betta Message Board

The last thing we would like to stress is to not terminate the life of any betta because you think he/she is suffering. Chances are your betta can and will recover with proper care.

Is your betta not feeling so well? Visit our Illness & Cure Information.