omg! my betta has dropsy!

[studioskim3]

OMG! I've never had my fish ever to have dropsy... what can I do to stop/ make him better? its been almost 2 weeks since he seemed to become lethargic... and now, I finally see the symptoms: raised scales and bloating....omg! what do i do? I added a few drops of melafix in the mean time and a few drops of salt. I just recently cleaned his water too. thanks!

[dramaqueen]

There isn't really any cure for dropsy. All you can do is keep his water clean and warm.

[Twistersmom]

I have had some success treating dropsy with Maracyn-Two. I think when treating for dropsy, you should not use salt. I read it can make it more difficult for the fish to release trapped fluids.

[twong88]

just make sure the water is clean and use the right meds for dropsy. My red Tailed shark had dropsy and lost a few scales but i caught it in time and hes healing up right now. thanks to maracyn - 2 =). it works great.

[studioskim3]

:( I must've caught it too late... he died today :( WAH!!!!!... thank you everyone for your help. Now I know what I should get to treat it... I'm learning... what should I do with the tank and rocks and plants (fake)... is it "contaminated"? Should I toss everything out or can i treat/clean them in some way so that my next fish can't get the same disease?

R.I.P Gorgeous

[dramaqueen]

You can use bleach to sanitize everything but I don't know the proper amount of bleach to use. Maybe someone else can tell you how much.

[bxtorr19]

Bleach is too harsh and will leave chemical traces that can harm your next baby. I would dispose of any plants, rocks, and resin decorations. However for the tank and other equipment I would scrub the entire thing with kosher salt and a natural, unbleaced cheese cloth with the hottest water you can stand to kill any bad things that are lingering in the tank.

[veganchick]

What kind of tank did he have? if it was a bowl or vase, there is ur problem.

[Cody]

Bowls are Vases are perfectly fine for bettas when they are the right size and contain all proper materials (heater, filter, etc).

[veganchick]

yes, but that one did not