"an Ounce Of Prevention": What Meds & Treatments Should I Have?

Hello all.
Just feeling a bit concerned reading so many threads about members sick or dying Betta. My heart goes out to each and every one of you.

Being that I'm sort of new to Betta fish keeping and I've recently started my 1st (5) female Betta sorority in my 1st successful planted tank. And I also have a male in his own tank with fake plants and moss balls.

I'm looking for suggestions on what to pick up today to help keep my Betta healthy. What meds and water treatment should I use regularly to help prevent illnesses? What should I use and/or keep on hand in case of emergency?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

 

Prime: Duh, the best water conditioner.
Paraguard: Closest thing to a cure-all in emergencies.
Kanaplex: I'm hearing more cases of dropsy.
Stressguard: For healing open wounds and acts as an antiseptic.
Polyguard: Close to a cure-all, second best to Paraguard. Broad spectrum antibiotic.
API Liquid Test Kits: You need to test the waters if you already don't have this.
That's all I think you need imo. Oh and you shouldn't be using medication regularly, only if you know whatever is wrong with them.

 

Some threads that may be of interest
The Fishkeeper's Warchest
Fishie Meddy Cabinet.
Recommended contents of aquarium medicine cabinet to have on hand

 

Some threads that may be of interest
The Fishkeeper's Warchest
Fishie Meddy Cabinet.
Recommended contents of aquarium medicine cabinet to have on hand

Thanks, I'll give these a read.

 

Prime: Duh, the best water conditioner.
Paraguard: Closest thing to a cure-all in emergencies.
Kanaplex: I'm hearing more cases of dropsy.
Stressguard: For healing open wounds and acts as an antiseptic.
Polyguard: Close to a cure-all, second best to Paraguard. Broad spectrum antibiotic.
API Liquid Test Kits: You need to test the waters if you already don't have this.
That's all I think you need imo. Oh and you shouldn't be using medication regularly, only if you know whatever is wrong with them.

Thanks,
I'm going to see how many of these I can pick up today. I already have the API Master Test Kit and I use it religiously. The only other things I currently use are API Quick Start and Imagitarium Water Conditioner when I do water changes btw my tanks are cycled.
The other thing I was going to buy today was freeze dried blood worms and brine shrimp, and maybe a Nerite snail as a tank mate to help clean up.

 

The best water treatment you can do is keeping up with water changes. Dirty water makes fish much more susceptible to illness.

I would add a hospital tank, heater, and filter to the list. It’s important to have on hand so you can treat a single fish should they get sick.

 

The best water treatment you can do is keeping up with water changes. Dirty water makes fish much more susceptible to illness.

I would add a hospital tank, heater, and filter to the list. It’s important to have on hand so you can treat a single fish should they get sick.

Ahh, that's good to know... Thank you for your input.

 

Ahh, that's good to know... Thank you for your input.

I had to emergency get meds for a sick fish, but honestly having to buy another tank was more stressful. A lot of people will keep sponge filters in their tanks so it is full of nice, healthy bacteria and ready to be used in a hospital tank.

 

I had to emergency get meds for a sick fish, but honestly having to buy another tank was more stressful. A lot of people will keep sponge filters in their tanks so it is full of nice, healthy bacteria and ready to be used in a hospital tank.

Sorry to hear thst. Honestly I was thinking about the same thing. I mean I already have enough parts and pieces laying around to build another tank, all that's missing is the tank. But I just can't imagine building this tank, cycling it and keeping the empty tank running "just in case of emergency"

 

So I went out today and among other things, picked up a new Siphon / Gravel Vac and some Prime. Came home and did a 25% water change on all 3 of my tanks.

I wasn't able to find Stressguard, Panaguard or Kanaplex so I will order them online. Also picked up Brine Shrimp, Blood Worms and Bug Bites because my elder Alpha female is being real finicky and isn't eating the pellets or flakes; (To be continued in another thread)

I want to thank everyone that commented on this post. I'm really glad I joined this forum.

 

I agree. I think having a hospital tank running as a stand-by for emergency situations is overkill. This is supposed to be a relaxing hobby.