The Puffer Forum

OK so things have stabilized a bit in the tank...I was able to get ahold of of bio spira and that help the levels right away and I actually was able to get the puffer to eat some clams...he even inhaled a few pieces of regular flake food in the last few days so he is for sure hungry. He is still very skinny and so I will keep on trying to feed him...I actually have to isolate the trigger fish while I feed the puffer because the trigger just bully's him off the food.
Ok next need some advice on getting rid of the fin rot...I am assuming it is an antibiotic addition to the tank but I dont want to kill the good bacteria that are helping to keep my levels low...am I on the right path?? What should I do to help?

I have no experience in this, but I have read that Melafix helps cure fin-rot. There is a Melafix Marine version as well. Their website says that it will not affect the bio-filter, so it should not affect your cycling bacteria.


From their website... http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/a ... atId=11269

8 oz & 16 oz Melafix
Shake well. For best results, remove activated carbon during treatment.
As a disease or wound treatment: Add 1 tsp. (5 ml) for every 10 U.S. gallons (40 L) of aquarium water. Repeat dose daily for 7 days. After 7 days, make a 25% water change. Treatment can be continued if necessary.
When adding new fish to the aquarium or when netting and handling fish: Add 1 tsp. (5 ml) for every 10 U.S. gallons (40 L) of aquarium water. Repeat dose daily for 3 days.

64 oz Professional Strength Melafix
Shake well. Remove activated carbon from filter, if possible.
Dose: 1 teaspoon (5ml) per 50 gallons or 1/4 cupful for every 600 gallons of aquarium water.
As a disease or wound treatment: Repeat dose daily for 7 days. After 7 days, make a 25% water change. Treatment can be continued if desired.
When adding new fish or handling fish: Repeat dose for 3 days.


MelaFix is safe for all aquariums
MelaFix is a safe and effective antibacterial medication for all freshwater and marine fish. Laboratory studies proved that MelaFix is safe for even the most delicate fish species including tetras, discus fry, and scaleless fish like the clown loach. MelaFix can be used with all marine fish. Repeated treatment of sensitive clownfish fry proved harmless. MelaFix has been tested and found to be safe in reef aquariums containing invertebrates such as live coral and anemones.

Treating with MelaFix will not harm the biological filter in freshwater or saltwater aquariums or ponds. MelaFix will not color the water and will not stain ornaments or silicone sealer. MelaFix has no effect on pH. MelaFix is harmless to live aquarium plants. If using with a protein skimmer or pumps in your aquarium, the water agitation will cause bubbles, or foam, when MelaFix is added. This is not an indication of MelaFix not working.

Best not to use a skimmer in SW, when using this product. It will overflow.

How is your puffer doing today?