Rescue Betta - Probably Ich

[Axolotl987]

I was at the LFS today with my siblings getting our axolotls for our 40Gal and my sister saw this betta that looked exactly like hers except he was frail and weak and seemed to have white spots all over his body. We decided to get him and he's in one of our qt tanks atm. I put him with a mystery snail which I know realise is not a good idea... Could he catch it?

Anyway, I was wondering what the best plan of action would be to increase his survival rate? He's eating fine but does seem a bit lethargic.

I really hope I can give him a better chance at life!

Thanks,

Axolotl987

 

[JamesJunior97]

If it isn't too much too ask, but may we have some clear pictures of it first?

 

[Addictedtobettas]

There are boatloads of medications for Ich. But I know several folks with decades of experience that treat it with aquarium salt, raising the temp and frequent water changes - not much else. Food soaked in garlic can help (or new spectrum Thera-a has it)

Pictures are helpful too to be sure it's ich.

 

[Axolotl987]

I was at the LFS today with my siblings getting our axolotls for our 40Gal and my sister saw this betta that looked exactly like hers except he was frail and weak and seemed to have white spots all over his body. We decided to get him and he's in one of our qt tanks atm. I put him with a mystery snail which I know realise is not a good idea... Could he catch it?

Anyway, I was wondering what the best plan of action would be to increase his survival rate? He's eating fine but does seem a bit lethargic.

I really hope I can give him a better chance at life!

Thanks,

Axolotl987

 

[JamesJunior97]

Thanks for the picture albeit not being really clear, as you said because you just got it from the pet shop, it is hard to discern if it is columnaris or a fungal infection but I can guarantee you that whatever it is, it isn't Ich. Those patches of white are too large to be ich.

I'm also noticing mild fin rot. But that can be ignored for the time being. Try to get medication that could treat both fungal and bacterial infections and follow the instructions.

Let us know the result and keep us updated on the recovery process.

Looking forward to good news from you.

Best wishes.

 

[Axolotl987]

Thanks! Could I use Furan 2 and API Fungus Cure? These are the only things that are really available in my area...

 

[JamesJunior97]

Thanks! Could I use Furan 2 and API Fungus Cure? These are the only things that are really available in my area...

If those are your only 2 options, I recommend using API Fungus Cure and only API Fungus Cure as since it is said to treat Fungal infections as well as secondary bacterial infection.

Just in case it isn't fungus, the secondary effect of the medication will finish of the columnaris. Columnaris is a bacterial infection afterall.

Just follow the instructions and get back to us on the recovery process.

Best wishes.

 

[Addictedtobettas]

No the fin rot cannot be ignored. In fact the fin rot could allow other infections to take root. And from those pictures it’s still incredibly fuzzy to see what’s really going on.
I don’t think throwing a bunch of medications in there is the best idea until you’re quite sure what it is. Keep in mind this little guy came from an incredibly stressful situation and it may take time for him to recuperate. Lethargy is not unexpected.

If it were me...


I’d get a couple silk plants in that quarantine tank for cover and comfort of the fish.
Do a 50% wc every other day.
Dose with aquarium salt, removing the snail I’d needed. Keep in mind salt doesn’t evaporate so don’t overdose each wc
Add in Indian almond leaves or rooibos tea for the antiseptic properties.
See how he’s doing each day. If there’s no sign of improvement in 3-4 days, consider medications. If he’s getting worse after the first day or two, consider medications.
But getting the fish comfortable is key to healing.