Dropsy!

[Mhira]

I posted this in the Betta section- but I really want a wide response soon, so I'm reposting it here~ (sorry admins)

Until very recently, I've done everything wrong for my sweet Betta, Zeus. I have kept him in a bowl without thermometer or cycling system for a year, feeding him bloodworms and flakes. When I first got Zeus, I think I remember him being a mix of blue and red- now he's all red, and his throat is white! He seems big- either obese or swollen- and his scales resemble a pinecone. I've been researching online (like I should have been doing for the last year!!) and I think he has Dropsy?
I just moved him into a new 5 gallon tank with a biowheel type filter and a little whisper heater. I added some plastic plants until I can set up for real ones. I know I shouldn't have, but I put Zeus into the new tank without cycling first. I figured it was still better than what he had.
Now he's staying at the top of the tank- right under the light. He used to be so active- he would jump to eat off my finger- now he's listless and sad. I've been such a horrible keeper- HOW CAN I REDEEM MYSELF?!?!?!

 

[Mhira]

I don't want to believe its true- I've read from 3 seperate sources that dropsy- the pinecone effect- is almost always a fatal sign.

Is this really true?

If it is true, what can I do to make Zeus most comfortable for his last days?

Thanks for your support~

 

[Fuzz16]

it is true, and after the pining you cant do alot more for him.
try very often small water changes, maybe some melafix. but i dont know if it will help at all

 

[Mhira]

This morning when I got up, Zeus swam over to my side of the tank to greet me. I dropped a few dried blodworms into the water and sure enough- he gobbled them up!! His rise in activity and willingness to eat has spurred me into aciton- I will fight this for him!!
I did my research and came up with this-
Removed the carbon filter and dosed the tank with 1/2 tablespoon of epsom salt-
Crushed one tablet of Maracyn-Two and added it to the water as well.

I hope this works- either way, I'm doing my best.

LOVE TO THE BETTA!!!!

 

[TheShrimp]

I had an oranda who also got dropsy, it's a horrible disease and I really couldn't do much. Is very misterious also since had several fish and only one got it.

 

[Mhira]

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!
ZEUS IS ALMOST COMPLETELY BACK TO NORMAL!!!
I just finished the 5-day medication cycle yesterday and my Betta Buddy has lost his pineconey appearence and is starting to get his color back!!!
He still has some color loss on his throat and face, but the color is starting to return. He is also very active, swimming all around the tank and begging like the little piggy he is!

FOR ALL FISH LOVERS OUT THERE----------

NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR FISH FRIENDS- THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE!!