Q&A for How to Prevent and Treat Popeye in Betta Fish

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If I don't treat the popeye, will the betta die?

Community Answer

Yes. All diseases, if not treated, can cause death in fish. If popeye is not treated, your fish will eventually die an uncomfortable death.

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Question

Is API aquarium salt the same as Epsom salt?

Community Answer

No, they are not the same. Aquarium salt is sodium chloride and Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. They can both be used in aquariums, but they will have different effects, so you just need to do some research as to which will be most beneficial to you. The API website has some good information.

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Question

How much epsom is required for a 1-gallon tank? I have a delta tail male betta with one bulging eye. Should I put in the salt when I put in chlorine remover?

Grace Brown

Community Answer

Use water from the other tank, and add one teaspoon, give or take. Add less if your fish is older, more critical or not as bad.

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Question

How much Epsom salt should I use? I have a 1-gallon tank for my delta tail male betta.

Community Answer

Betta need very little salt; use a pinch.

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Question

Will a fish normally survive popeye?

Community Answer

Yes, a fish should survive if proper treatment is given.

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Question

Will my betta survive if I don't treat it?

Community Answer

No, probably not. Popeye can be fatal if left untreated.

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Question

A fish just died in my tank after we went on a vacation for a couple days. It was decomposing and hairy when we got back. Could that be the cause?

Community Answer

The fish turned the way it did because it was dead, it is not the cause of its death. Were the water conditions good, or was the fish being fed? Even leaving for a day could seriously harm your fish if it has no food.

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Question

If a betta fish dies in my tank from popeye, can I put another fish in the same tank after it is washed?

Community Answer

Yes, but make sure it is fully cleaned before adding new fish. If the tank is not thoroughly cleaned, new fish in the tank will catch popeye like your betta.

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Question

If I only have 1 pleco and 1 betta, can I treat the whole tank instead of isolating the betta for popeye?

Jesse

Community Answer

Isolate the betta and treat it with medicine, and treat your main tank with your pleco with antibacterial medicine just in case the popeye was caused from a bacterial infection.

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Question

Will Bettafix cure Popeye?

Mel K

Top Answerer

It is a possibility, but most likely not. Any fish medicine with the word fix at the end of the name, is not safe for betta fish, or any fish with a labyrinth organ. Instead of bettafix, try a medicine like API Furan-2 or Seachem Kanaplex.

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Question

How long will my betta fish live if they have popeye?

Community Answer

Your betta should heal and live normally if you treat it properly and early enough.

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Question

If I put in Epsom salt to cure my fish and I don't put any antibiotics in, will my fish heal from Popeye?

Miranda DerpFace Enterprises

Community Answer

No, it will only help topically. It pretty much will only help the appearance, so you will instead need to use a fungal infection treatment.

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Question

Can I use regular salt?

Lunar Lua

Community Answer

No. Do not use regular salt, as it can seriously harm or even kill your fish. Only use Epsom salt.

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Question

I have a butterfly male betta, and he has had weird bulging eyes since a month ago. Does that mean he has popeye?

Lunar Lua

Community Answer

If it’s an extreme change, popeye may be the case. Check his eyes more closely. If they're foggy or irritates, that’s another sign. Monitor his behavior to see if he's slower or more lethargic than usual. Even you’re not sure, it won’t hurt to try an Epsom salt bath. Popeye can be fatal if left untreated. Such an unusual change definitely isn’t normal.

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Question

What else can I use besides Epsom salt or aquarium salt when treating popeye in my betta fish?

Community Answer

An antibiotic, such as ampicillan, can be used to cure popeye in Bettas.

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Question

What do I add to a fish tank to prevent popeye in betta fish?

Community Answer

Keep his water warm, and try Epsom salt baths. Antibiotics are only a last resort.

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Question

How can I tell if my fish has popeye?

Community Answer

Popeye looks like its eye is swollen or is going to pop out of the fish's head. Don't worry, the eye won't come out of its head if you treat it properly.

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Question

How often do I need to do a water change?

Community Answer

The typical answer is every two weeks but it all depends on how much waste your fish create. If they make a lot of waste, you might want to up the water changes to every week. But every 2 weeks is a good starting point.

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Question

Is there any natural medicine available to treat popeye in my betta fish?

Community Answer

You can put in one tablespoon of Epsom salts per every 5 gallons of water to treat popeye. There isn't really a natural way to treat it.

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Question

How often should antibiotics be used to treat popeye in my betta fish?

Community Answer

Antibiotics should only be used after warm water and Epsom salt baths don't work. The label on the antibiotic should say how often you should use it.

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