Puffer Ick and Black Belly

[NewPuffer]

Help!! I have 2 asellus puffers, 1 GSP, and 2 figure 8's. The Figure 8's are doing great, but recently my GSP developed black on the underside of his belly. Also, my 2 asellus seem to be developing ick.

My situation is this...

29g aqaurium
1.005 SG
PH ~ 7-7.5
Nitrate and Nitrite both minimal
50% WC usually 1x/week
2 filters - Marineland HOB Pengiun 100 with Biowheel and an Aquaclear 30.
Temp ~ 82degrees but recently raised to 84 to try and fight the ick!
Sand substrate

The main problem that I know I am fighting is that I directly added salt to the tank and have read on here not to do that. Struggling with how to add water without using buckets. right now my method is to siphon out water, double dose with dechlorinators and ammonia remover, and pump tap back in, then add salt as needed.

HELP!!

Thanks so much.

[bertie 83]

All those puffers have different requirements. The gsp will need 29g alone. They need to be separated. You should not be showing nitrite in a cycled tank. Welcome to the forum

[NewPuffer]

well unfortunately the LFS sold me all at once not being familiar with them either apparently. This tank has been up and running for almost 3 years now so i would assume it should be well cycled...started with goldfish to cycle and kept african cychlids for a long time and now recently moved to puffers, which is when my problems began!!

Do you think there is a problem with my water quality or how salt is added to the tank? How about fighting the ick?

[Pufferpunk]

I responded to your post in the Hospital Forum. Please do not double post.