Who Gives A Fish Forums

My betta's scales are pineconing and he's bloated. I think it's dropsy. What's the best way to treat it? Tank is 5 gallons, heated to 78F, with a sponge filter. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. He's been eating less the past few days.

Yep, sounds like dropsy. It's tough to treat, but you can try epsom salt baths. I've had some luck with that. Also, keep the water super clean, like daily 25% changes. What's your water change routine right now?

tortu wrote: ↑Mon Aug 25, 2025 4:58 am Yep, sounds like dropsy. It's tough to treat, but you can try epsom salt baths. I've had some luck with that. Also, keep the water super clean, like daily 25% changes. What's your water change routine right now?

Epsom salt can help with the swelling, but it's not a cure. You'll need antibiotics like kanaplex or maracyn two. Dropsy is usually organ failure, so it's often fatal. How long has he been showing symptoms?

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. Dropsy is scary. I lost my betta to it last year. Make sure you're not overfeeding, and maybe try fasting him for a day or two. What's his diet like?

I've heard adding Indian almond leaves can help too. They're supposed to have antibacterial properties. Have you tried those? Also, is he still active or just lying at the bottom?

onyxid wrote: ↑Mon Aug 25, 2025 6:08 am

tortu wrote: ↑Mon Aug 25, 2025 4:58 am Yep, sounds like dropsy. It's tough to treat, but you can try epsom salt baths. I've had some luck with that. Also, keep the water super clean, like daily 25% changes. What's your water change routine right now?

Epsom salt can help with the swelling, but it's not a cure. You'll need antibiotics like kanaplex or maracyn two. Dropsy is usually organ failure, so it's often fatal. How long has he been showing symptoms?

Agreed on the antibiotics. If you catch it early, there's a chance. Also, bump the temp to 80F to boost his immune system. What's the substrate in your tank? Sometimes waste buildup can contribute.

I'd quarantine him if you can. Dropsy can spread, though it's rare. Keep an eye on any tankmates. What other fish are in there?

Thanks for the advice, everyone. He's been like this for about 3 days. I do weekly 30% water changes, but I'll start doing daily ones. He's alone in the tank, no tankmates. Substrate is sand. I'll try the epsom salt and look for kanaplex.

Good call on the kanaplex. Keep us posted. Hope he pulls through.

Sand's good, less waste buildup. Just make sure you're vacuuming it well during water changes. And yeah, kanaplex is your best shot. Fingers crossed.