identifying a possible dropsy condition

[juicebox]

I'm really worried about my sister's betta, Bob. She left him with me in August and never came back for him. I went to the fish store and asked the worker what I needed to take care of him - I didn't research online, I just listened to what he said. Now I'm reading all these posts and websites, and I'm realizing I've been doing things wrong. Hopefully, I can make it right for him.

I was told a 1.5 gallon tank was fine, and that I didn't need a heater since the worker's tanks were at 68 degrees. But my tank is at 71 degrees. I've been doing 50% water changes every week because of the tank type. It's been 9 months without issues, but on Friday, I noticed Bob was sick.

He's just sitting at the bottom, only coming up for air, and he's not eating. I think his scales might be protruding - I'm not sure if it's bloating or dropsy. Now he's on his side. I'm guessing it's dropsy. I want to try and treat this. I moved him to a different tank so he can easily reach the surface - the decorations in his main tank were in the way. I tried feeding him peas, but he didn't eat. I'll be changing the water.

I've also tried Epson salt baths three times, but he's not getting better. I can get medicine from a store, but I want to make sure I'm not harming him more. Can anyone tell me what's going on with Bob? I really appreciate you reading this.

That's really sweet of you to do that for Bob. I'm really hoping he pulls through too. If you're thinking of getting another betta in the future, I'd say go for the new tank and all that comes with it - it'll definitely give them a better shot at a happy life. But if you're not planning on getting another one if Bob doesn't make it, then it might not be worth the investment for you.

[dawnings]

I'll make sure to get everything right next time - bigger tank and all that. I thought I was doing fine based on the fish store advice, but I've learned a lot from this. Hopefully Bob recovers and I can make it up to him. He's been such a great companion, sitting on the dining room table with his own placemat and "seat". I'm really hoping he pulls through. Thanks again for your help, it means a lot to me.

[juicebox]

I'm really worried about my sister's betta, Bob. She left him with me in August and never came back for him. I went to the fish store and asked the worker what I needed to take care of him - I didn't research online, I just listened to what he said. Now I'm reading all these posts and websites, and I'm realizing I've been doing things wrong. Hopefully, I can make it right for him.

I was told a 1.5 gallon tank was fine, and that I didn't need a heater since the worker's tanks were at 68 degrees. But my tank is at 71 degrees. I've been doing 50% water changes every week because of the tank type. It's been 9 months without issues, but on Friday, I noticed Bob was sick.

He's just sitting at the bottom, only coming up for air, and he's not eating. I think his scales might be protruding - I'm not sure if it's bloating or dropsy. Now he's on his side. I'm guessing it's dropsy. I want to try and treat this. I moved him to a different tank so he can easily reach the surface - the decorations in his main tank were in the way. I tried feeding him peas, but he didn't eat. I'll be changing the water.

I've also tried Epson salt baths three times, but he's not getting better. I can get medicine from a store, but I want to make sure I'm not harming him more. Can anyone tell me what's going on with Bob? I really appreciate you reading this.

I've found that a lot of pet store employees aren't super knowledgeable about fish, which is kinda what I'm dealing with now. I've learned the hard way, just like a lot of people on this forum. If you really want to give your betta the best life, a 10 gallon tank would be amazing, but I think a 5 gallon tank is a great place to start like juicebox said.

[dawnings]

I'm hoping I can find a tank that's just the right size, big enough for Bob to swim around but small enough to fit on the dining room table. I've grown pretty attached to having him as part of the family, and I love that he has his own special spot. Not sure how I'd manage with two seats at the table, though.

[juicebox]

I'm really worried about my sister's betta, Bob. She left him with me in August and never came back for him. I went to the fish store and asked the worker what I needed to take care of him - I didn't research online, I just listened to what he said. Now I'm reading all these posts and websites, and I'm realizing I've been doing things wrong. Hopefully, I can make it right for him.

I was told a 1.5 gallon tank was fine, and that I didn't need a heater since the worker's tanks were at 68 degrees. But my tank is at 71 degrees. I've been doing 50% water changes every week because of the tank type. It's been 9 months without issues, but on Friday, I noticed Bob was sick.

He's just sitting at the bottom, only coming up for air, and he's not eating. I think his scales might be protruding - I'm not sure if it's bloating or dropsy. Now he's on his side. I'm guessing it's dropsy. I want to try and treat this. I moved him to a different tank so he can easily reach the surface - the decorations in his main tank were in the way. I tried feeding him peas, but he didn't eat. I'll be changing the water.

I've also tried Epson salt baths three times, but he's not getting better. I can get medicine from a store, but I want to make sure I'm not harming him more. Can anyone tell me what's going on with Bob? I really appreciate you reading this.

I'm hoping for a tank size that's just right, so Bob can still keep his spot at the table. I don't think I can swing two seats, but I want to make sure he's comfortable. A 10 gallon is a bit big, I think, but I don't know the exact dimensions. I'm looking for something that's a good balance between giving him room to swim and not taking over the whole table.