Puffer has a swollen...cheek? Please help

Mopar · Post by **Mopar** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 8:35 pm

I went and got the antibiotics today, I'm starting treatment tonight.

Post by **Pufferpunk** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 12:24 am

And... what is the SG?

Post by **Puffer Queen** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 7:35 am

What antibiotics are you using?

Mopar · Post by **Mopar** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 9:14 pm

The antibiotics i'm using are maracyn and maracyn-2, I've started the 1 hour baths. I don't know what the SG is currently, i don't have the stuff here to test it. I usually take a water sample in to the LFS and have the manager test it for me (he's a very fish-dedicated guy, and he knows a lot about puffers. I hate when i have to ask someone else a question because one time I got some bad info there). It's been fine every time I've taken it in, and i keep it at the same level. But, I haven't been able to take one in lately. I've been out of the house a lot the last couple of days, I guess I should have when i went and got the antibiotics, but I didn't think about it because I was in such a rush.

Post by **Pufferpunk** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 9:41 pm

How are you able to keep the SG at the same level when doing water changes, if you don't know the SG of the water you are adding? It's time to take a more active role in the care of your pet. You should have your own hydrometer & test kits for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate & pH.

Mopar · Post by **Mopar** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 10:10 pm

Because I do the same thing every time I do water changes. And every time I've had it checked afterwards it was the same. And I do have an "active role" with my pet. You have no idea how I am with my fish, you obviously don't know me personally. Just because I can't afford a bunch of fancy equipment for my setup right now doesn't mean I don't care about my fish! I read on here that hydrometers were inaccurate, so I figured I'd save up for better equipment. I knew this was going to happen! If I had one problem and asked about it, I would be picked over just like I see happen on here all the time. All I wanted to do was talk with other people who enjoyed these adorable little creatures and get help if needed, but instead I ended up getting criticized.
I'm really not trying to be offensive or anything, but all I could think was "Someone is going to find something to criticize me about"

Boxermom · Post by **Boxermom** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 10:16 pm

Hydrometers are fine when used properly. The problem is they are much more likely to suffer from user error than refractometers. Refractometers can also be purchased on Ebay for very little money, and test kits aren't expensive at all.

Even if you do the same thing each water change, the results can still vary. Salt absorbs moisture from the air as soon as the package is opened, so 1 cup of salt one week doesn't equal the same 1 cup a couple of weeks later. Its really vital to know exactly what is going on, especially when you are having problems. "Fine" isn't enough information as far as water parameters, we (and you) need to know what the exact numbers are.

Mopar · Post by **Mopar** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 10:20 pm

I have test strips btw I forgot to mention that. I know they're not considered accurate but they are cheaper than the 60 dollar kits in my LFS, and they're not bad to use between trips for testing. I don't live more than 5 minutes away from the store. I only take water samples in to test the salt, he tests everything else, but that's the main purpose.

Post by **Pufferpunk** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 11:22 pm

Whenever I make a comment on someone's fishkeeping, it always has to do with the original question asked. I do not run this forum to put folks down & make them feel bad. I never implied you don't care about your fish--it's obvious you love it very much! But not knowing your water parameters, even if your water is tested elsewhere, is not taking an active role in your fish's care, bottom line. When the parameters are off, the fish is stressed, which lowers it's immune system & they get sick. It's all connected.

An entire Master Test Kit will cost you $15.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... 2004&Nty=1

Hydrometer, $8.50.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... 4952&rel=1
Hydrometers are extremely accurate, once checked against a refractometer. My local public aquarium (John G Shedd, in Chicago) uses them for all their tanks.

Mopar · Post by **Mopar** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 8:44 pm

Okie dokie, I'll try and scrounge up the money to get that stuff soon. The master test kits at my LFS are really expensive. I'll just buy them online. Anyway, to give an update, this morning he seemed a little more active and the swelling looked like it went down a little bit, but I'm not absolutely sure. I'm feeling a bit better, I was really upset last night. Like I said I wasn't trying to be offensive, i was just upset.
On a lighter note I got a good surprise today! Mr. Puffy will be moving into a 55 gallon tank my mom won off eBay for $152 dollars (bought by her, not me, so all hope of her buying the hydrometer and such for me is lost. I'll have to get some money somewhere), it comes with a lot of stuff including a stand. And any advice on cycling and getting everything ready for his move would be most welcome. Thanks!

Post by **Pufferpunk** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 11:51 pm

LOL, I just had am image of someone on the corner with a cup, asking for donations for their puffer!

Mopar · Post by **Mopar** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 12:05 am

Ya, I'm not above that! lol I really do care about my puffer and I'd do anything for him. I just have to get the money somewhere, because I am flat out broke. I am excited about my new tank though. I don't get candy anymore for Easter really, so I get a present and the tank was an early Easter present, I think he'll be happy in a big 55 gallon tank just for himself. Here's a pic of the tank and a bunch of goodies that came with it...

http://a763.g.akamai.net/7/763/1644/v00 ... 02/img.jpg

Post by **Pufferpunk** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 12:23 am

Your puffer should have fun swimming thru all those Greek ruins! I'd soak everything in Oxiclean to sterilize.

PuffTheMagicFishy · Post by **PuffTheMagicFishy** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 1:39 am

Could plain household bleach (NaHClO) work to sterilize too? When left to dry completely in air, the only residue it leaves is table salt (NaCl). It's cheap and easy to find, and can be used for a lot of cleaning jobs. Just make sure you get a generic brand that's just a plain ol' sodium hypochlorite solution, rather than a fancy Clorox type, since the fancier bleaches sometimes contain toxic lye and other additives that are good for clothes but bad for pets. I use plain bleach to sterilize my bird's equipment, since there is no toxic residue after thorough drying.

Mix bleach with water to make the desired strength of solution (I don't know what would be best in this case). Scrub any organic debris off the items to be sterilized and then let the items soak in the solution for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and let dry overnight. Rinse again if any salt crust is visible.

PP or anyone else please let me know if this is a bad suggestion! It should work as far as I know, but I'd like to know if anyone else has heard different. I know bleach in the environment is very bad for fishes, but dry bleach is essentially aquarium salt and shouldn't hurt anyone.

Best of luck with your puffers, Mopar! I hope your little guy starts feeling better soon and that Mr. Puffy enjoys zooming in his new digs!

Post by **Puffer Queen** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 9:25 am

I use bleach to clean everything. After cleaning, I will rinse thoroughly and let air dry for 2- 3 days to be on the safe side.

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Puffer has a swollen...cheek? Please help