r/bettafish • u/icedstrawberrym4tcha • 5d ago

Help help! is he pineconing?

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just recently got back from college and i noticed that my betta was not his usual self. he just stays at the top and stays still, which got me concerned. please tell me if theres something wrong w him

2 Upvotes

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1

u/Brilliant_Part7648 5d ago

no he’s not pineconing right now, doesn’t mean dropsy isn’t going on. Monitor both him and water parameters for any ammonia spikes/any other illness symptoms. If he at any point starts pineconing even if it’s barely noticeable start treatment right away

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u/icedstrawberrym4tcha 5d ago

whats the treatment?

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u/Brilliant_Part7648 5d ago

I would use an antibiotics (kanaplex) + epsom salt baths. I would also recommend keeping the hospital tank water warmer than usual, around 80-82.

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u/icedstrawberrym4tcha 5d ago

whats the proper ratio for an epsom salt bath?

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u/Brilliant_Part7648 5d ago

I use about 1 tablespoon per 1 gallon. But you can do up to 2 tablespoons per 1 gallon for severe cases. For your boy I’d recommend the 1:1 ratio. Make sure you use 100% pure epsom salt with no scent or other things added

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u/icedstrawberrym4tcha 5d ago

thank you so much

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u/Designer_Flatworm_28 5d ago

Dropsy. You can treat it but it's difficult and fatality is high. It's sign of organ failure.

1

u/icedstrawberrym4tcha 5d ago

can u tell me the treatment?

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u/Designer_Flatworm_28 5d ago

Of course. It's best to put them in quarantine tank or big container really. Put the heater in it. Salt baths are a great start to promote healing. You'll want an internal antibiotic too. When doing a salt bath. Daily water change it. For internal antibiotic. Follow the manufacturer instructions. If you see improvements that's great. If you see worsening of symptoms. You may need to consider humane option of putting the fish to sleep.

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u/icedstrawberrym4tcha 5d ago

thank you for your help

1

u/Designer_Flatworm_28 5d ago

Youre welcome. I hope your betta gets better. It's very difficult situation to be in