what can I use as asubsitute for epsom salt, my fish is baloted no epsome salt in the area?

Answer 1

There really isn't a substitute - you couldn't use aquarium salt, since they aren't the same chemical composition (aquarium salt is sodium chloride, Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate). The best you might try is a small amount of sea salt if you have that locally.

The Epsom salt is what's used for dropsy, if that's what your fish has. The scales would be standing out from the body so the fish looks like a pine cone. If it's just plumper, it may be that the fish is constipated, has an internal bacterial infection, or is developing eggs (or is pregnant if a livebearer). Constipation can be cured by giving your fish a piece of cooked green pea (English pea) with the skin removed. If an internal bacterial infection, the fish can have its food soaked in a broad-spectrum antibiotic before feeding (or buy a medicated food). The last (developing eggs or pregnancy) the fish will solve on its own.