The Puffer Forum

Pufferpunk wrote:Glad it's going well & you decided to keep him. Can't you put the sand into the display tank?

Mhm, I just didnt want to transport any stage of ick parasite. I know in theory that in the amount of time till the display tank gets the puffer that the ich will die without a host but the just in case makes me paranoid. I washed it with scorching water and now am gonna dry it out, just to be sure.

Well we are at 1.013 right now and have been sub-marine salinity for about 24 hours and he is much improved!
Fewer spots and more activity!
When I fed him the day before treatment began he missed each of the mealworms (though it may have been a fluke), didnt happen this time

You're aiming for 1.009, right?

The ich seems to be getting better but the fish seems miserable in the hypo tank.
If no one is there playing with him he just lays on the corner filter or on the ground most of the time. If you come up to the tank he becomes himself again. Im hoping this means it is just a psychological thing.
Any chance the hyposalinity is harming the fish and causing it to act like that?

The fish is also much more pale. This is probably because I have the light on much less often as I heard that may discourage ich. I am not too worried about the paleness. All my puffers are pale when the light gets turned on every morning and it goes away.

You aren't doing any damage to him. Putting him in hypo is a little stressful on him but not doing any permanent damage.

Do you have hiding spots like the article suggested--PCV tubes & such? I've got some if you need.

Yes, it seems to like sitting on top of the sponge filter even though I have those. It was sucking up bubbles and spitting them out the other day. There is definitely enough surface agitation to provide oxygen. More agitation then before it was hypo'd. Water conditions are good. Must be doing it for fun.

also, just for the record and search. Why do some people recommend to hypo to .014ish and some .009ish?

1.009 is the correct one. What's yours at?

Mine is at 1.009. I did what was suggested and figured you guys wouldnt steer me wrong. I was just curious why the different suggestions out there. Seems to be doing great ich wise.

He looks wonderful! the fishes eyes are very vibrant (i usually see them with cloudyish eyes or eyes that look like oil in water) and the colors are very distinct.
It looks like the fish is all better so I begin the waiting.
I want to thank everyone for all the help and I did a few other things I researched around the internet.
I would be willing to do a writeup about the various steps I did if any porc owners are interested.