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i'm worried about one of my Green Spotted Puffers

Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 11:26 pm
by LynnePuffer
So just got 2 beautiful Green Spotted Puffer Fish. They are still decently small and I know I need to get a bigger tank for them because a 2 Gallon Tank isn't big enough (Will do when I have the money for it.) I totally love them.

Anyways! To the real issue: So I've heard different things about their bellies turning black. One of my Puffers, his sides turn black at random times, stay black for a bit, then his belly turns all white again. Its only down the sides where the green scales and white belly meet that he turns black.

I'm really worried, though.

I feed them Ghost Shrimp and Snails but they also like Flakes, so I feed them those too. I have a small filter for the water, I put aquarium salt in the water after water changes, and I also have tap water treatment stuff. So any advice? Am I doing something wrong? Is he going to be ok?

I have another puffer in the tank with him and his belly stays white all the time and is generally happy. He is upbeat, likes to eat, likes to look at me with big cute eyes. He seems totally natural in the tank. Soo once again, just give me any advice that you can.

Re: i'm worried about one of my Green Spotted Puffers

Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 11:32 pm
by JRC3
Did you mean to type "2 gallon tank"?

And what other puffer is in with them?

Re: i'm worried about one of my Green Spotted Puffers

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:06 am
by Pufferpunk
The real issue IS the 2g tank, considering even if they're only 1", they need a minimum of 10g each.
Please answer all the questions in RED.
Also, please read: viewtopic.php?f=68&t=28469

Re: i'm worried about one of my Green Spotted Puffers

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 2:07 am
by sgtmyers88
Petco was having their $1 per gallon sale. (at least in my area) Please try to at least get a 30 gallon for them. They have a huge bioload and can quickly make the water toxic in such cramped conditions plus they love to swim and explore. That 2 gallon tank should be used as nothing more than a temporary quaritine tank.

You can also check out craigslist they often have people selling 55gal complete setups for around $100 or less.

You also need to get a hydrometer and a product called instant ocean which has vital additives which aquarium salt lacks.

Please dont feed them flake food as a staple diet or even at all as your puffers may accidently injest airbubbles attached to the flakes which can kill them.

Not trying to sound harsh just being honest. We all love our puffers and we what them to have the best living conditions possible and to help others be good puffer parents in the process. ;)

Re: i'm worried about one of my Green Spotted Puffers

Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2012 12:56 am
by Pufferpunk
It's been a week now--wonder what happened to them?

Re: i'm worried about one of my Green Spotted Puffers

Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2012 1:15 am
by LynnePuffer
Thank you for the advice, even if it was a bit harsh. As soon as I possibly can, they will be in a bigger living quarters. I know that is a very big issue and I'm definitely looking into it. So far, both puffers are ok. The one I am worried about still has the gray edges, but they do go away and when they do he is very, very happy. Thank you, and I will be updating everything for these guys so they can live long happy lives.

Re: i'm worried about one of my Green Spotted Puffers

Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2012 9:27 am
by Pufferpunk
Harsher still, will be their impending deaths. Please upgrade TODAY or return them!
You must add Tetra Safestart to cycle their hew tank.

Re: i'm worried about one of my Green Spotted Puffers

Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2012 10:44 am
by PufferMe!
I agree with everyone above. This is a disaster waiting to happen. I'm learning myself just how much money it takes (with salt, not aquarium salt) to keep a GSP happy and well. But, to answer your question, I notice mine gets the same coloring on his belly when I feed him too much and his belly is big. It always goes away. Also, you have to remember 2 GSP together when they are young may be okay, but one will likely be picked on by the other (causing stress and death) and/or may get eaten. Just something to watch for as they mature.

Best of luck. I'm worried if you can't afford to upgrade now, you may utlimately have a difficult time meeting their needs. They need good filtration etc, I'm finding the Instant Ocean is an expensive myself, though I'm willing to provide it.

Gwen

Re: i'm worried about one of my Green Spotted Puffers

Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2012 4:29 pm
by Pufferpunk
I'm afraid this is going to end really badly... :(

Re: i'm worried about one of my Green Spotted Puffers

Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 9:19 pm
by LynnePuffer
Both fish are still alive, happy, and well. They are in a larger tank, are eating minnows, snails, and any other treats I can get them. Thanks for the harsh advice.

Re: i'm worried about one of my Green Spotted Puffers

Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 9:53 pm
by Pufferpunk
Yippee!!! I'm so happy for all 3 of you! Don't feed them fish please, they're not piscavores: viewtopic.php?f=66&t=28566

Re: i'm worried about one of my Green Spotted Puffers

Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 3:20 am
by bertie 83
That's great news, glad its all going well. Sometimes the advice given seems harsh but we are all passionate about puffers and their care. Don't take it to heart

Re: i'm worried about one of my Green Spotted Puffers

Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 7:38 am
by PufferMe!
Fantastic! Good for you that you were caring enough to do what it took to get to there.

Gwen

Re: i'm worried about one of my Green Spotted Puffers

Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 6:12 pm
by sgtmyers88
:) Awesome!

IME It really hurts to lose a beloved fish. Hopefully now you will not have to deal with that situation for a long time.