back again

Question
QUESTION: Will the rock salt used for melting ice work for the ick? I live in Minnesota so I have plenty of that.

ANSWER: It will work if it's ingredients (listed on the bag) contain only salt.  If it contains magnesium or anything else, it cannot be used.  Most rock salt for ice contains magnesium sulphate or magnesium in some other form to precipitate the melting.

You can use rock salt for very cheap.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok, here is an update for you:
He is still alive and kicking. He is not bent over anymore and he is showing some more activity. He definitely has fin rot-not ich like I thought it was.
I have him in his betta bowl still with the water bottle water. I did a 50% water change last night to keep the water clean. I did not use the rock salt because the stuff I found was for outside use and I had no idea if it had any additives in it.

If he makes it, I plan on cleaning the tank and filling it with distilled water that you can buy in gallon jugs at the store. Do you recommend this? Would I have to use dechlor solution and would I have to let it filter over night?
Also, even though he`s not bent over, he is still gasping for air. What can I do to help him with this?
Another weird thing is that I`ve spoken to many girls in my dorm who all have bettas in bowls. All of their bettas have been great. However, they all have this Betta Bowl Plus solution by Aqueon while I have the Betta Safe by Tetra. Do you think the dechlor solution did not work?
Any other tips/advice is welcomed. He`s still kicking so Im going to keep trying.

ANSWER: Hi Rachele,

Yes, I recommend the bottled water from the store.

No dechlorinator necessary.  Just put him into it soon as it's warm enough.  

No, I don't think it's the dechlor solution.  The Betta's water quality is poor and it's probably from your dorm's water.

Keeping Bettas in a bowl is cruelty to animals.  Please read this site.

http://www.petstoreabuse.com/betta.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCjSmofDSP4

Please, please don't keep your beautiful betta in a bowl.  Show the video and the page to your friends.  Let's stop betta abuse on a personal level.

Renee

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: There is no way that I will put him in a bowl. He was so happy in his tank before he got sick. You don`t have to worry about me putting Fuego in a bowl!

Answer
Glad to hear that.  Sorry I got an 8 on knowlegeability on the ratings, however. Especially since I'm one of the most experienced experts out there, and have been helping you with the best of my expertise.  It won't come much better than that.  Thanks and I hope he makes it.  

Renee