I am really worried about my Betta fish, Jessee. He seems to have dropsy. I have read some info on the internet about different symptoms. He has the bloated body, swims sideways, lethargic, stays on bottom of bowl, except to go up for air, and has the protruding scales which looks like a pine cone.

:sook:

He is by himself in a bowl that holds one and a half gallons water. No filter. I test his water once weekly, no prob with ph or nitrites/nitrates. I haven't tested for ammonia. No plants or decorations added recently, but I can kick myself for not changing his water for about 2 or 3 weeks now. I do scoop the solid wast out with a turkey baster, but his water has been looking a little cloudy.

Oh, I just remembered something. My husband has been spraying Lysol disinfectant around the house the past week. I wonder if that has affected him. He is next to an air filter, but if the Lysol got in the water that won't help.

:banghead:


I have started him on the antibiotic yesterday (Thursday). Is he likely to recover, or will he not do well?

I realize it is not easy to answer, but I was wondering if you know of any statistics or if you have had any experience with this.

Thank you for any advice or input you may have.


:)

I don't know if this will help him much, but without a filter you need to be changing out most of the water daily. You can also try giving him blanched peas, not the shells just the insides.

Is that to clean out the digestive system and help rid parasites?

By the way, I read that the Betta's stomach is the size of his eyeball. Fascinating!! I'm glad ours isn't that size, especially when we're eating chocolate!

Susan,

I just found the answer to my question. I read from another member's posting that the blanched pea is good for constipation.

I was curious, though. Do you have any Betta fish? If so, what kind of tank or bowl do you keep him or her in? Do you know anyone else who has a Betta? I was considering getting a 5-gal. tank with a filter, but I have heard Bettas don't like turbulent water. That has to be healther than just a large bowl.

Have a good day.

go for the five gallon, I have quite a few bettas.

As long is it's not a powerhead meant for a 55 gallon.. he'll do fine in the 5 gallon, ;)

I think I will get the 5 gallon tank. I want to give my Betta more room and some kind of house thingy so he has something to hide in if he needs to feel safe.

Thanks for the suggestion.