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My betta's scales are pineconing and he's bloated. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. Tank is 5 gallons, heated to 78F, filtered with a sponge. Been doing daily 25% water changes but no improvement. Any advice?

Dropsy is rough, man. It's usually organ failure, so treatment's tricky. I'd bump the temp to 80F, add some aquarium salt, and keep up with the water changes. Maybe try kanaplex if you've got it. How long's he been like this?

breezeway wrote: ↑Sat Jul 26, 2025 11:28 am Dropsy is rough, man. It's usually organ failure, so treatment's tricky. I'd bump the temp to 80F, add some aquarium salt, and keep up with the water changes. Maybe try kanaplex if you've got it. How long's he been like this?

Thanks. He's been like this for 3 days. I'll try the salt and temp bump. No kanaplex on hand but I'll see if my LFS has it.

Dropsy is often a symptom, not the disease itself. Could be bacterial, parasitic, or even genetic. I'd isolate him if you can. What's his diet been like? Overfeeding can stress their organs.

Yep, gotta agree with brookm. I lost a betta to dropsy last year, and it was heartbreaking. I'd cut feeding to every other day, just a pinch of high-quality pellets. Also, epsom salt baths can help with the bloating.

My guy had dropsy once, and I managed to pull him through with salt and heat. But it's sketchy, ngl. How's his behavior? Still active or just chilling at the bottom?

eleNt wrote: ↑Sat Jul 26, 2025 4:36 pm My guy had dropsy once, and I managed to pull him through with salt and heat. But it's sketchy, ngl. How's his behavior? Still active or just chilling at the bottom?

If he's still eating, that's a good sign. If not, prognosis isn't great. I'd focus on making him comfortable either way.

I've heard some folks swear by metronidazole for dropsy, but I've never tried it myself. Maybe worth a shot if kanaplex doesn't cut it?

What's the substrate in your tank? Sometimes sharp stuff can cause internal injuries that lead to dropsy. Just a thought.

Coralix9 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 26, 2025 7:02 pm What's the substrate in your tank? Sometimes sharp stuff can cause internal injuries that lead to dropsy. Just a thought.

Good point. Sand or smooth gravel is best for bettas. Anything rough can mess with their delicate bellies.