The Puffer Forum

Went into a local petco today to pick up some stuff and realized that there saltwater fish looked really bad. All completely covered in ich. Guy said they were doing everything they could but being corporate they were hampered. Happened to see in the top corner of the bottom tank a 5 1/2 inch stars and stripes. Talked to the guy for a bit and talked him into half price since it was sick. Couldn't handle it dying to brought it home to my hospital tank along with a couple of fire clowns. Using jungle fizz tabs lowered salinity to 1.018 and raised temp to 84. What else should I do.

That was really nice of you to put in your time and energy for this puffer and try to save him. Are you going to keep or rehome him later? How come you lowered the s.g to 1.018?

Does he have some decor to hide by to make him feel safe? Turning off the light for the day will also help him to feel better and less scared. Don't be surprised if he doesn't eat for a few days, but doing an extra water change a day will get him on the road to feeling better and the extra water movement will keep the water pristine.

Read that lowering the SG helped cure the ich faster. Will probably keep him but haven't decided. He is in my old 55 gsp tank with full decor live rock plants all kinds of places to hide. Doing treatments and 60% water changes daily. He looks pretty rough still, way skinny and completely covered.

Been looking for a larger tank to see if I can keep this guy but not looking good. So will probably get him healthy and find him a happy home. The largest available tank I have now is a 75 which would be fine for a little while but by no means for very long.

You need to lower it to 1,.009. If the clowns were in the same system, keep them together.

Wow that low, will work on it tonight with water change. Clowns were in same tank and all. May have him up for sale when fixed up if anyone interested. I'll have $25 in with meds and all so let me know. Don't want to just can't afford $1000 tank setup right after back surgery.

I'm a marine novice = p

learning about it now actually cause taking my gsp full marine over summer.

S&S WOW!! That is a serious puffer. It is like a swimming rugby ball when fully grown! You are lucky to have it. Do your best and we're cheering you on.

Found a deep 200 gallon cube almost. Would that be enough or is a longer tank better? How slow should I drop my SG to 1.009?

Read thru part of the article last night, will read it all today. Made more sense of it.

The stars and stripes I got.

I had the same problems with ick many many years ago. I finally added a uv to the system. Helped alot for clearing up the free swimming ick. And also boosting the immune system is a must. Vitamin C, HUFA's, and other immune boosters really makes a huge difference.

Seems to be getting more active and actually eating. Hope thats a good sign.

He actually chased down a ghost shrimp today, was so excited. Spots are starting to go away. Hoping to get a 300 gallon in the next month. I dread the bill for the live rock..........