Pudge the Puffer

[TONY]

AHoy
I have had a GSP for about 2 weeks now. It is approx 1.5inches, maybe slightly smaller... He lives in a 75 litre tank...not quite sure how many gallons...but i think its enough FOR NOW...
Anyways...so it changes colour a lot. I've noticed often if its not moving it goes dark and then when it starts moving again it goes bright...
I also noticed it flashing up agains some of the rocks etc. Is that necessarily a sign of disease?
So far ive only been feeding it bloodworm which it likes... I fed it some shrimp today and it took a little nibble but it may have lost its appetite a bit. I tried to get some snails from the pet shop but they had just cleaned out their tanks... :/
It obviously needs a variable diet and not just bloodworms... Not everything is available here (South Africa).. any other ideas what it would munch?
Does his behaviour sound normal?
Fanks for all yer help!!

Oh ja... i have added some salt... the SG is at 1.001..im gona push it a little higher soon....

[RTR]

Is the tank cycled? That means ammonia and nitrite both undetectable and nitrate less ~20ppm?

What is the tank pH?

Tank temperature?

Do you know the GH (calcium and magnesium hardness) and the KH (carbonate/bicarbonate hardness or alkalinity)?

Are you using marine mix for the salt addition and not aquarium salt?

[TONY]

Yes... tank is cycled...
The nitrite and nitrate tests come out yellow...they are under 20ppm.. not sure exactly how much.. but they r fine.
The pH is 7.9... just measured it now.
Temp = 26C / 78 F
Not sure bout GH or KH though... dont have necessary tools!
i do have some shells etc mixed with the sand if that helps.
And im using instant ocean...

[RTR]

Clarification: nitrite should be zero/undetectable. If it is not, that is the fish's problem. Do water partials sufficient to drop the nitrite to indetectable. Nitrite and nitrate are quite different in toxicity. Puffers have very poor resistance to unoxidized metabolites and flashing is a common symptom.

The other parameters look good - the pH is high enough that you do have to worry about the KH, so long as it does not drop.

[TONY]

K, well he seems to be eating up the blooworm...
I changed the water and tested again.
I only have nitrate and nitrite tests at this stage...
nitrite was the lowest one on the chart (its a sera nitrite test) <0.1mg/ml
and the nitrate i have little tablets, actually not sure what to do with them. its the only test i could find. but i put in some water and it comes out yellow which i assume is the correct colour...
I did notice he is still flashing :/
I spose the only thing i can do is keep an eye on him...

[Pamela]

Whwn in doubt, do a water change. I'd do a 25% every day till you can get better tests.
If you're in an isolated area, give eBay a try, and look for Aquarium Pharmaceuticals saltwater master test kit.
Have you changed his water since you had him? Sorry if this seems condescending...it's not meant to be.
If you have, what's the frequency and amount?
Can you see any little white speckles like salt or sugar on him? It could be ich - whitespot - and if it is, then the rise in salinity will take care of that. I believe there's a sticky on it in Hospital.
As for food, have a look at your fish market and see what shellfish they've got...clams, mussels, crab legs, cockles..
But you must freeze them for 48 hours to kill any bugs.
Whereabouts are you? There's a few South African members, so it may be worth introducing yourself in General Discussion and seeing if they can suggest anywhere near (ish) you.
Pami.
D'oh...I see that you did change his water..silly me. Still, daily 25% till you figure out the prob. What salt are you using?

[TONY]

Kewl...thanks for your help people...
Thanks for the tipon the daily 25% water changes pam!
Puff not looking good tho...he not swimming properly..dunno wat else to do.. just changed water again now now...
o well..dont know how much longer he will last
:/
ai ai