Trying to save a very sick puffer! HELP!!!

[LinearChaos]

They were at first. But not over the last 2 weeks. Is it really necessary to purchase a larger tank right away when they are only 1.5-2 inches. We are looking for one that isn't so expensive. The 3 are the only ones in a 30 gal. I understand that water changes are very important. I was told that they would be OK until they started getting larger. I will treat them for IPs just in case.

wow, 3 at 1.5-2'' each...keep on top of those water changes and get a bigger tank as soon as you can. The bioload in that tank is going to pile up. I would over filter the tank as well....I may have missed it, what on it for filtration right now?

[kc8zwj]

I am currently running an Aqua Clear 50 gal filter on the 29 gal tank. The levels in this tank are fine. I was trying to save a 4th GSP that became very ill in another tank. I will keep on top of the water changes until I can get them in a larger tank.

[Nick]

The way to break it down crudely is 6" fish in 30 gallons = 2" per ten gallon, meaning the levels will be ok with the 3 in there, but they won't be able to grow very much from where they are until they are in bigger. So no immediate danger to health, just growth room needed.

[kc8zwj]

Apparently no one is completely reading before replying to the things that I have posted!! So before criticizing anymore please do so. We are getting a larger tank. Just don't have it yet. I am well aware of the tank size needed. I came in to ask for help on a sick puffer which unfortunately I wasn't able to save. He wasn't even in the same tank. People ask questions so I answered. You guys want us to completely read and post certain things! So you should return the favor before jumping on someone!!!!!!!

[Nick]

That' kinda why I posted that, to make sure people realized you already had a 30 for these in case they didn't read back far enough. Kind of a general reminder.

[kc8zwj]

OK. Well maybe I misunderstood your intent. I am upset over loosing the one. I will be treating other 3 for the possible IPs starting tomorrow. Hopefully all will be OK.

[Nick]

I hope so too, they're adorable fish and it always makes you feel terrible when anything bad happens to them. Good luck.

[Pufferpunk]

At >2", I'd get them in at least 20g ea, asap & >3", 30g ea. If you don't want to get into buying multible tanks, than go for the largest they'll need as adults.

[kc8zwj]

I have purchased a 55 gal tank and will have it up and running within a week or 2. I will get it cycled and move the puffers to it or at least 2 of them. Can GSPs be made full marine or is it better to keep them brackish? I was just considering making the 55 marine if they can be. Because I really enjoy coral and things of that nature.

[edmlfc1]

Yes they can be full marine once they are larger. I have two GSP's that are about 3" and they are both living in full marine. It's actually better for them, health wise, to live in full marine. There's an article on here about them that pufferpunk wrote. About coral: you must be careful which kind of coral you purchase to put with your GSP's or it will become a snack. If I remember right mushrooms would be a good one, they taste bad and the GSP's won't eat it. Someone else on here can give you more advise about the corals. Also if you plan to get shrimp or snails for the marine tank that would be a bad idea. These too will become puffer food, unless you can trick them. Some people have had sucess and others have found theirs to disappear after months of years.

[kc8zwj]

OK Thanks. Yeah I found a couple of articles since asking that question.