Help! GSP losing appetite and weight!

[BiggieSmalls]

30 gallon glass aquarium

No inhabitants other than GSP

Temp. 80 degrees

ph 8.2

Nitrite 0

Ammonia 0

Nitrate 20

Salinity .08 (?)

50% water change every week

Diet:

raw, frozen with shell on shrimp

scallops

mussels

clams

red wigglers

RH snails

I did a water change 2 weeks ago and I coordinated Biggie's weekly fast the same day. Monday came and I proceeded to thaw him a mussel for dinner. His 3rd favorite food after worms and snails. He seemed to get really p'd off and did this little "pracice puff" that looks like he's taking water in through his mouth. He's usually a voracious eater and I've had no eating problems since I got him last summer. I decided not to worry about it and removed the mussel as he looked very healthy and nice and round.

Several days later he still would not accept and eat anything but worms and snails. I broke out the test kits and started testing my paremeters. (listed above) This is when I discovered I had not plugged his heater back in after his water change. (bad puffer mommy) His temp. was just under 70 degrees for several days! I immediately turned it back on and assumed that's why he had lost his appetite.

Next day I notice what I "think" is some type of long stringy algea EVERY where. I've done four 50% water changes in the last 2 weeks and toothbrushed off all the algea on the rocks in change water. I've also left the light off in his tank for a few days now hoping to stop the algea growth.

I'm really starting to get worried because he is now noticeably losing weight. He still will only eat worms and not with the same intensity as usual. My snail population is pretty much gone. I have an email in to wilmathecause for more snails but haven't heard back from her yet.

Other info:

I've tried soaking his food in garlic.

I was thinking maybe constipation but I've seen him poo.

I've noticed a couple of his black spots are getting little yellow/green centers he'd not had before.

Would really appreciate any help or ideas you folks may have. I can honestly say I love this fish like I could love no other and it hurts me to see him not acting like his normal self.

[Blaine]

red wigglers are not a great food source for fish. They contain thiaminase which can build up and cause vitamin deficiencies.

Do you use a hydrometer or refractometer to measure salinity or sg? 1.008 might be a little low for a GSP but I don't think that would cause a problem in itself.

[Pufferpunk]

If constipated, treat with 1 tbsp Epsom salt/5g. If IPs then read the article on that in our Library. Or do both.

[BiggieSmalls]

red wigglers are not a great food source for fish. They contain thiaminase which can build up and cause vitamin deficiencies.

Do you use a hydrometer or refractometer to measure salinity or sg? 1.008 might be a little low for a GSP but I don't think that would cause a problem in itself.

The wigglers are not ususally a staple, just a treat. It's the only thing I can intice him to eat at the moment. I use a floating hydrometer ususally but I recently broke it and just been using the same amount of salt I have for the last couple months.

If constipated, treat with 1 tbsp Epsom salt/5g. If IPs then read the article on that in our Library. Or do both.

Do you think it would be ok to treat for constipation even if I'm unsure that's the problem? Off to read article on IP's.

Thanks for your replies.

*edited to add

I just read the article on IP's. Which would be the recommended medicine for him since he is in slightly brackish water? The Praziquantel or the Fenbendazole? I see the article says that Metronidazole is for freshewater.

Also, since he's not eating I would use the "Prolonged Immersion" method but a little unsure what that means? Do I need to put him in a quarintine tank to treat?

[Pufferpunk]

I'd use the Prazi, if you can find it. Lots of folks have had good luck treating the tank with the Jungle Buddies dewormer. Epsom salt is safe.

[sevenyearnight]

... a floating hydrometer ususally but I recently broke it and just been using the same amount of salt I have for the last couple months.

Was this floating hydrometer the kind that is also a thermometer? Hopefully it didn't break in the tank. :/
I'd get another hydrometer or a refractometer if you can afford it to get a more accurate salinity reading. How big is Biggie? Maybe he needs a higher salinity?

[Pufferpunk]

Floating hydrometers are usually dependent on certain temps. Best to get a box-type one & calibrate it.

[BiggieSmalls]

... a floating hydrometer ususally but I recently broke it and just been using the same amount of salt I have for the last couple months.

Was this floating hydrometer the kind that is also a thermometer? Hopefully it didn't break in the tank. :/
I'd get another hydrometer or a refractometer if you can afford it to get a more accurate salinity reading. How big is Biggie? Maybe he needs a higher salinity?

Yes, it was also a thermometer but I didn't break it inside the tank. I really want a refractometer but will have to wait until next week before I can afford one.
Biggie is about 3" long. Since I've had him he seems to be getting wider and rounder but not longer. What salinity would you think he'd be better at?

I'd use the Prazi, if you can find it. Lots of folks have had good luck treating the tank with the Jungle Buddies dewormer. Epsom salt is safe.

Heading into town today to see if I can find the Jungle Buddies dewormer. Will start the epsom salt treatment this evening.

On a positive note he ate a little scallop this morning. Not much, but a wee bit.

[sevenyearnight]

PP's article in the puffer library suggests 2-4" puffers be in 1.010 - 1.015, but you can also keep him in full marine. Both of mine are in marine, and especially the larger one was a lot happier after being acclimated to marine. He paced less and loves hunting for pods. They were both in fresh water when I purchased them.

[BiggieSmalls]

Treated with the Jungle Buddies last night. Will do a w/c tonight and treat again tomorrow. Hopefully it will do the trick.

PP's article in the puffer library suggests 2-4" puffers be in 1.010 - 1.015, but you can also keep him in full marine. Both of mine are in marine, and especially the larger one was a lot happier after being acclimated to marine. He paced less and loves hunting for pods. They were both in fresh water when I purchased them.

Once I get my refractometer I will start bringing his salinity up a little higher.

Thanks again for your replies.

[Pufferpunk]

Get the Pinpoint calibration solution too.

[BiggieSmalls]

Good News! Last night (24hrs after the second treament of Jungle Buddies) Biggie ate half a scallop! His nice white under belly has returned also! I couldn't be more relieved. Thanks everyone for your replies and concern.

On a side note, Reffstock is in Denver this weekend and I plan to look for a refractometer and Pinpoint calib. solution there. I have never been before so not sure if it's something I'd find there.

[Pufferpunk]

Great job treating him.

[sevenyearnight]

Yay!!!