Rescued a sick Betta and trying to save him

Question
QUESTION: My ex-roommate moved out a few weeks ago, but left several of her things here.  She shut her door, so my current roommate and myself didn't realize she left her Betta here.  He used to be so beautiful, but now he is skin colored, his fins are all torn, and has the rot at the base of his tail.  She hadn't changed the water or taken care of him in weeks.  I was surprised he was still alive.  She said she was hoping he would just die before she had to deal with him.  Well, I asked if I could have him and she said yes.  I did change things for him.  The good was his water and got a new tank better for him.  I did a lot of research first.  But I also added medication that I fear may be making things worst and his water is not all that warm.  Well, this morning I saw that his bumbs on his tail are bleeding and he is laying on the bottom most of the time.  He looks terrible and I have a feeling he may die before I figure out how to help him.  I think his water is too cold and I am planning on going and buying a small heater.  What else is there?  Is it better at this point that he just pass away?  Thanks.

ANSWER: Put a lamp close to his water to keep it warm.  What medication did you add?  There is a chance he may die... but betta fish do lay   on their sides on the gravel... especially when they are not feeling well.  If he is eating... offer him some tubi worms, brine shrimp, etc. He may perk up for live food.   keep me posted... .dave

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

QUESTION: Thanks for getting back to me.  I'm really worried at this point that he is on his final leg.  He may even be gone when I get home.  I went out and bought a water thermometer.  The temperature is within the correct range, but it does tend to vary within the proper range during the day.  Is that bad?  Should I invest in a heater?  The medication I don't know off the top of my head because I'm not at home, but it is Betta medication through Aquarium Pharmaceuticals and I bought it at Petsmart, so I figured it would be good stuff.  Also, the aquarium I have has a hood with a lamp, but I feared he may not get all the O2 he needs since, as you know, he comes to the top for his air most of the time, so I took it off.  The hood does cover the entire aquarium (around 2 gallons).  I know the bubbler is not necessary, but I keep it in there anyway.  As a matter of fact, I thought he was going to die yesterday, but he pulled through the night.  He seemed better last night after I changed his water, he quite bleeding, and he is getting an iridescent color back under his head and around his head.  But I worry this could also be a fungus problem too.  I've not seen him eating recently.  I'm going to try some frozen bloodworms.  I just want to give him the best fighting chance I can and if he doesn't make it, at least I can say I tried.  This experience has convinced me though that I'd like another one if he doesn't pull through.  Thanks for your time!  Bekah

ANSWER: well... you are doing all that you or anyone else could do... it is good that he is getting his color back that is a very good sign.  He may just eat a little bit now until he recovers because his stomach is small.  If you can offer him a heater that would be good... but I would wait a day or so and see if he doesn't recover first... sometimes you can do too much so for now I would just recommend tanking small steps. dave

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

QUESTION: I came home today and quite expected him to have passed away as bad as he was looking this morning.  But to my surprise, not only was he alive, but he was swimming around and looking much better!  I was shocked.  I expected a dead fish.  He has some interest in food, but he really hasn't eaten any.  I'm just happy to see he's not laying on the bottom looking like death anymore!  I plan on changing his water again tomorrow and continue to hope for the best.  Thanks!  Bekah

Answer
That is good news!  They are resilient creatures... I have one I rescued for about 2 months now... and he is starting to get his fins and some color  back... He came much the same home as yours did... but it looked like his fins were coated in clotted blood... He is getting better and I hope your fish does as well... dave