My betta Merric doing much better but NOW looks like Ich!!! :'(

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PattyCakes81

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Jun 26, 2010
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Real Name
Patricia
Hi guys,

I have posted before about my male betta fish Merric not doing well.

It looks like Merric my male betta is doing fine. His color has returned to normal, he is actively exploring his tank, he is swimming upright and he is no longer bloated.

But NOW it looks like he has Ich!!
He has 4 spots.

One On the dorsal Fin
One On the right pectoral fin
One On the left ventral fin
One On the anal fin

Here is a video of him now:


I have researched on this site and others on Betta fish and Ich. So far I feel I need to raised the temperature, add aquarium salt and do water changes. But how is raising the temperature on a small tank (2.5 gallon) going to affect my betta. Wouldn't it be too hot for my betta fish?

Any help would be greatly appreciated,
Patty
 

Aquaticfrog32

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Mar 17, 2016
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Hmm.
I'ts hard to see from the video. It could just be scales flaking off.
Once my female Betta, had a white spot. which is now gone, so I assume it was a dead scale.
Fish that have been ill already can be prone for more illnesses.
I would keep watch, and if it gets worse, then we'll know for sure. Yes, aquarium salt can help. For now, I'd put a little in, and see if it helps. Don't worry, aquarium salt can only make fish healthier.

Good luck!

-Aquaticfrog32
 

fishorama

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Jun 28, 2006
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Raising the temp helps speed up the ich lifecycle but unless it's really high, it doesn't really kill it, salt or dye tx might work better but slower, bettas are fairly tolerant. The pectoral fin thing doesn't look like ich to me (too big?) & his abdomen seems a bit bloated, maybe just overeating.

Whatever tx you decide on, do frequent water changes & vacuum! Have you tried feeding bits of pea to help with any tummy issues (bloating)? At lower temps you may need to treat for 3 weeks or so. Go slow adding salt or meds...& removing them too.
 

Aquaticfrog32

AC Members
Mar 17, 2016
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As for medicines, Methylene blue works well.
 
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