This is my first time dealing with popeye and dropsy in my betta. The poor guy's having trouble eating too. I've heard clove oil is effective for euthanizing, but I don't have any on hand and I'm not entirely sure how to use it. I've also come across the spinal cut method, but I need some guidance on that.
My water parameters are all good - 0 ammonia, 0 nitrate, 0 nitrites.
A betta like popeye
Re: A betta like popeye
Pop eye can be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, or even just an injury like a scratch. To treat it, I'd recommend doing big daily water changes, and make sure to clean the gravel and substrate thoroughly. If it's been a couple of weeks since you last cleaned the filter, now's the time to do it. Also, take a clean fish sponge and wipe down the inside of the tank.
Adding some salt to the water can also help - about 1-2 heaped tablespoons for every 20 litres of water. Use rock salt, sea salt, or even swimming pool salt. Just make sure to keep the salt in there for 2 weeks. When you do your daily water changes, add salt to the new water before adding it to the tank, so the salt level stays constant.
I'm not entirely convinced the fish has dropsy just yet - the pictures don't show it clearly. A side and front view might give us a better idea.
Adding some salt to the water can also help - about 1-2 heaped tablespoons for every 20 litres of water. Use rock salt, sea salt, or even swimming pool salt. Just make sure to keep the salt in there for 2 weeks. When you do your daily water changes, add salt to the new water before adding it to the tank, so the salt level stays constant.
I'm not entirely convinced the fish has dropsy just yet - the pictures don't show it clearly. A side and front view might give us a better idea.
Re: A betta like popeye
I'm pretty sure she has dropsy, though.
Re: A betta like popeye
I think coltin's suggestions are really helpful, thanks for sharing. I'm definitely going to try the big daily water changes and gravel cleaning, I've not done that in a while. Also, I'll make sure to clean the filter as it's been a bit longer than 2 weeks since I last did it.
I'll give the salt treatment a go too, I've heard it can really help with bacterial infections. I'll just make sure to add the salt to the new water before adding it to the tank to keep the salinity constant.
I appreciate your help, I really want to try and save my betta.
I'll give the salt treatment a go too, I've heard it can really help with bacterial infections. I'll just make sure to add the salt to the new water before adding it to the tank to keep the salinity constant.
I appreciate your help, I really want to try and save my betta.