Betta fish fin rot and possible dropsy

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Luce

Aquarium Advice Newbie
Joined
Jun 12, 2021
Messages
6
Hi everyone,

I have had a betta fish since February with no problems, he lives with 3 African Dwarf Frogs and there are no issues with his tank mates. I went away back to university for 10 days and (did my usual 25-50% water change before I left) when I came back he was hiding in one corner of the tank and not eating, there were no other symptoms so I assumed he wasn't hungry, a week has passed and he has some fin rot, mild pine coning and hasn't eaten anything for over a week. My water parameters are fine I test these weekly I tested them on Monday or Sunday before a water change when I noticed he was looking ill I will post them below. I looked online for fin rot/dropsy symptoms and how to treat this so yesterday (13th JULY) I did over a 50% water change and put in 4ml of Melafix for 7 days as the tank is 37L which is just under 10 gallons, also the heater keeps the tank between 25-30 degrees celsius (this tends to fluctuate depending on room temp but I do turn this down on hot days) I don't have a quarantine tank, unfortunately. I don't have access to various different antibiotics being in the U.K. such as Maracyn and Macracyn 2 Also, he has a diet of frozen brine shrimp, tropical bug bites, and sometimes pecks at the frog's pellets. I am at a loss as there are no obvious causes for him to have gotten sick any help and any help on how I should further treat him is super appreciated I also ordered some Epsom salt to bathe him if need be. Any help is super appreciated I'm really worried :(

Also, I will add although he has no appetite when he has to swim he can swim and doesn't appear to be lazing on his side, his eyes are also clear.

Photos: First photo was taken today he seems more swollen but the fin rot has reduced a little, the second photo was taken yesterday after the big water change before using the medicine. I have also added a picture of his tanks if this helps, the water parameters from the weekend.
 

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Betta has dropsy

I wanted to know if you have to move them to a new tank if you only have one fish. Also, the out come of survival. What can I do to help him survive?
 

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Hi, sorry for your poor betta. Everyone has different opinions on dropsy- but most say it is fatal. That said, I am not one to give up, and recently was able to heal (at least temporarily) my molly with signs of swim bladder disease, which most also say is usually incurable. I’ve tried many things with her and she is not completely through her illness, but I have found the most success with methylene blue dips, epsom salt and aquarium salt added to her tank, and medicated food. I do not think Melafix (or any of the -fix’s) do much good- they are too mild. You will likely need an antibiotic mixed into her food. Kanaplex has worked great for me in the past, and also the med trio, as recommended by the aquarium co-op guys. Good luck!![emoji256]
 
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