The Puffer Forum

Hello all,

I have 2 dwarf puffers in a 20 gallon tank with no other inhabitants. The tank’s parameters are checked using the API freshwater kit (parameters are great) and the tank has plenty of hiding spaces with heavy cover provided by both real and silk plants. They are fed bloodworms and pond snails.

I have had these guys for several months now and am planning on dosing for parasites as one of the puffers looks thin (not extremely thin but not nearly as plump as it could be). My question after reading up on medicating is exactly which treatment should I use? I have some (a lot) of levamisole leftover from Camallanus worm treatment last year in 2 other tanks. It worked very well, but I do recall the fish being lethargic a bit afterwards. I’ve read that flubenol has practically no side effects. I found a few places online to purchase. Should I go ahead and use the Leva since I have it? I plan on attempting to soak their food with it, but if they refuse can I dose the water? I simply dosed the water for Camallanus and it worked. I’ve read many contradictory statements regarding this and if anyone has successfully treated by dosing the tank only, please let me know!

Thanks for all you guys do!
Kim

Either one is fine but make sure you dose their food. Dosing the tank for IPs is a waste, as FW fish do not drink water.

I understand that; however, when dosing 2 tanks with levamisole for camallanus worms, I only dosed the water, as per the instructions. Are they not internal parasites? I was just wondering. Thanks for the reply.

You are totally wasting the meds by dosing the water. I don't care what the instructions say. Internal parasites MUST be treated internally.
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