Betta Scales

Question
Hi Jaymie,
So I've handled many freshwater illnesses over the years- but I have only handled popeye,ich and some vitamin deficiency in bettas. I have a three-year old crowntail that I am very concerned about- I don't want it to be the dreaded dropsy! The scales on the top of his head are coming lose, and almost look shingle-y. It seems that he is acting normal, and otherwise is fine. He lost some color, though. His belly is not at all inflamed, and I really hope he doesn't have anything too serious- he's a veteran, recovering from constipation, velvet, ich about twice, and advanced fin and tail rot (I adopted him after my young sister unknowingly adopted a sick betta!) I was wondering if you could help diagnose.

I have him in a solitary, very clean 1.25 gallon, with gravel and a fake plant center. He is "on" betta fix", and his water has stress coat added at every cleaning. I will do water changes every second or thirds day at 50% if I have to!

Thanks,

Katharina

Answer
Katharina,

 Well to start 1.25 gallons in not big enough. The minimum for a Betta is 2.5 but a 5 gallon is better. You did not mention his heater. He needs his water to be at 82 degrees at all times. If not he will get sick with all diseases mentioned above. STOP the Betta fix. It is not a good medication and you can very easily overdose him and kill him. With a tank that small water changes should be done at least every 2 days. Any time the scales look to be popping off we think of Dropsy. Look at him from above. If he looks like a pine cone  then its dropsy. This disease is 100% preventable with proper Betta care. He will not get any better unless you give him the heater he requires. We can however try a salt water bath.
Take 1 TEASPOON of aquarium salt and dissolve it in one gallon of water with the conditioner. Make sure it is dissolved before you put him in or he will get burned. Let him swim in the salt water for at least 15 minutes. Stay with him the whole time he is in the salt water. If he starts to have a problem remove him right away. Do this twice a day for 4 days and see how he does. Always make fresh salt water. Never use the same water twice. I think one you get his water heated it will be easier to treat him and keep him healthy. If you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask.