I didn't know where to put this, but I thought people should be able to find the recipe for salt baths a lot easier. Why not post the directions for your betta(s) here instead of having them look elsewhere? Feel free to share your own personal recipe for epsom salt baths and share your accomplishments. :-D
Directions
Epsom salt can be added to the tank but only a VERY small amount and not for longer than 7-10 days. A small amount as in 1/4-1/2tsp per 10g. For a bath, add 1tsp/g for 15-20 mins then remove the fish back to the tank. Long term use of epsom can cause anemia which is why baths are preferred.
What I do for epsom salt baths is take a 1g bowl and fill it with clean, luke warm water (so it doesn't shock the fish) and then add 1tsp of epsom salt to the bowl. Let it mix and then dump the fish in and leave him there for the appropriate amount of time. Then, empty out 2/3 of the water and add 2/3 of new water and do not add salt. After 5 minutes or so, you can just net him out and put him back into the tank. Do not dump the water from the bowl into the tank.
Fish will have different reactions to the epsom salt bath. I've heard how some fish will lay down, which is very common. It will be stressful/unnerving for the owner, but the fish is fine. My bettas have always continued to swim around normally. They may relax at the bottom, but they never lay on their sides. It varies from fish to fish. I've cured bloat, SBD, and even dropsy (TWICE!) with this method.
I hope this helps a lot to anyone and everyone who owns fish. Happy fish keeping!
Pictures
Bloat
![Image]()
Swim Bladder Disorder
![Image]()
Dropsy
![Image]()
![Image]()
Well, that's all I can think of right now. If anyone has any more to add, then please do. I hope this helps people out, whether new into the hobby or experienced. It's always good to have this recipe for epsom salt saved somewhere.
None of the pictures are mine. Copyright goes to original owners.
Directions
Epsom salt can be added to the tank but only a VERY small amount and not for longer than 7-10 days. A small amount as in 1/4-1/2tsp per 10g. For a bath, add 1tsp/g for 15-20 mins then remove the fish back to the tank. Long term use of epsom can cause anemia which is why baths are preferred.
What I do for epsom salt baths is take a 1g bowl and fill it with clean, luke warm water (so it doesn't shock the fish) and then add 1tsp of epsom salt to the bowl. Let it mix and then dump the fish in and leave him there for the appropriate amount of time. Then, empty out 2/3 of the water and add 2/3 of new water and do not add salt. After 5 minutes or so, you can just net him out and put him back into the tank. Do not dump the water from the bowl into the tank.
Fish will have different reactions to the epsom salt bath. I've heard how some fish will lay down, which is very common. It will be stressful/unnerving for the owner, but the fish is fine. My bettas have always continued to swim around normally. They may relax at the bottom, but they never lay on their sides. It varies from fish to fish. I've cured bloat, SBD, and even dropsy (TWICE!) with this method.
I hope this helps a lot to anyone and everyone who owns fish. Happy fish keeping!
Pictures
Bloat
Swim Bladder Disorder
Dropsy
Well, that's all I can think of right now. If anyone has any more to add, then please do. I hope this helps people out, whether new into the hobby or experienced. It's always good to have this recipe for epsom salt saved somewhere.
None of the pictures are mine. Copyright goes to original owners.
