The Puffer Forum

Hi every one i'm back, but my puffers gill is still inflamed
His belly is white and his stress lines are usually gone but come and go for a short time, which is an improvement b/c he was keeping dark stress lines all the time b4. The water condition has improved, but he still isn't back to his usual self. I've been using Melafix, but have not seen any improvments of his gill going back to normal.
Ammonia is now 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrates is 20
ph is around 7.5 or 8
How long will it take for his gill to go back to normal, and is it dangerous for him? Any other ideas on meds for him or will it heal on it's own with time?
Thanks again 4 everyones help!

did you take out your carbon media? If not the melafix probably did not get a chance to do its job.

Those nitrates are a little high for a sick puffer.

Do you see any thing on the gill? or can you get us a good picture of the gill?

purplecandle wrote:did you take out your carbon media? If not the melafix probably did not get a chance to do its job.

Those nitrates are a little high for a sick puffer.

Yeah I took out my carbon media before I put in the melafix. But so far I haven't seen any improvement other than that the stress lines are usually gone. I think he is getting worst, he is staying around the surface most of the time now. Today I'm going to go buy another airstone to see if it helps.
I know the nitrates are high, but how can I get them down? more large water changes?

Dadof4 wrote:Do you see any thing on the gill? or can you get us a good picture of the gill?

I don't see anything in his gill, it seems clear to me as he moves it. I'll try to get a picture on here tonight, i'm charging my camra right now.

Yes, water changes & cleaning up after your puffer is the best way to reduce nitrate. It is possible he has gill flukes.

sorry no picture yet..
Should I treat for gill flukes? Is it contagious to other fish? What meds should I use, also is it safe for the ghost shrimp I have with him? Please let me know thanks!
I think the second air stone is working as he's no longer at the surface, but his stress lines are back
Will get a picture up as soon as I can get it on my computer.

That's where I was heading was Gill Flukes. Do you have any marine salt added to the tank yet? SG? If it is gill flukes you can treat them by bringing up your SG slowly to brackish conditions, at least above 1.010 area. Do this slowly, not more than .002 per week and once you get to the 1.006 area bring it up .002 every two weeks.

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=20631&start=0&st=0& ... ow#p217887

I thought I read about that danger zone somewhere.

No one mentioned the time frame though. Thank you!

Dadof4 wrote:That's where I was heading was Gill Flukes. Do you have any marine salt added to the tank yet? SG? If it is gill flukes you can treat them by bringing up your SG slowly to brackish conditions, at least above 1.010 area. Do this slowly, not more than .002 per week and once you get to the 1.006 area bring it up .002 every two weeks.

Yeah I have some marine salt added to the tank but I have no way to test for the amount in in yet. I'm trying to save up for one, I spent all my money to get him a bigger tank

He's not eatting now! Help, what should I do???
I haven't seen him eat in three days!

Have you checked the parameters today? Generally, fish that don't feel good won't eat.

He died today :'(
I'm really sad I really tried to save him

Yes, you certainly did.