The Puffer Forum

I'm not sure if this is the case but what it might be is, puffers can often suppress internal parasites as long as they are healthy. You said that you don't have a test for nitrates, even though you do 50% wc's a week. I've lived in Wisconsin myself now for a few years (madison) and I've noticed that the tap water that comes out of our sinks seems to have higher nitrates than in other states. The last time I tested the tap water out of my sink I believe it was about 25 (nitrates) I know that 50% wc's are the suggested amount but when there are higher nitrates out of the tap its often suggested to up the wc's to higher partials to help lower nitrates or add plants. What may have happened was that over the years you've slowly concentrated nitrates into your tank to a higher amount then normal and now your puffers are experiencing mild nitrate poisoning.


For this reason I suggest that you get an api master test kit and to actually check what level your nitrates are in your tank.

Well, just got a text that he passed. Going to stop and get some more tests after work an keep an extremely close eye on the other one... I did test nitrates in the past and they were good, just ran out so I'll check that tonight...

I am really sorry for your loss, losing a puffer is much more like losing a puppy dog then a fish and is difficult to move past. I have lost puffers myself in the past and was devastated

Not to bring it up now, but I was just wondering what your last test results read, and also were you using a api test kit or test strips?

Test strips can be accurate sometimes but they can also give the wrong reading, due to being to old or just because they are sort of cheap (you get what you pay for). That's why people around here like the master test kit because they are more accurate and you won't get false results.

Best of luck on the other puffer, are you going to get your remaining puffer another f8 friend after you figure out what went wrong? or will u just leave him in a singleton?

Thanks guys, friggin sucks, especially since I don't know that I'll ever know what happened... Have to get the nitrate test in the morning since after work I'm limited to whatever walmart sells so can't do it tonight. To be honest it's been a while since I did the last nitrate test so I'm not sure what the reading was, remember it was ok but no detailed range or anything like that. Been looking everywhere for the test to see if I just misplaced it, but it's not in any of my drawers of fish stuff so I'll have to go get another. It was a strip test, but I'll be getting the API test tomorrow.

Not sure what I'm doing as far as getting the little puffer a buddy. Don't think I want to run a 45gal tank for 1 small F8, so I'd lean toward another puffer, but trying not to think about it too much right now. Just trying to narrow it down to possible causes and make sure the other one stays healthy for now.

Checked the nitrates, Somewhere between 0 and 5ppm. Other puffer still seems fine, seems to look for the other now and then though :/

Not to question you but I've seen some cases of people not doing the test right.

did you follow exactly this?

"Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube).
Add 10 drops from Nitrate Test Solution Bottle # 1, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops added to the water sample.
Cap the test tube and invert tube several times to mix solution. Do not hold finger over the open end of the tube, as this may affect test results.
Vigorously shake the Nitrate Test Solution Bottle # 2 for at least 30 seconds. This step is extremely important to insure accuracy of test results.
Now add 10 drops from Nitrate Test Solution Bottle # 2, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops to the water sample.
Cap the test tube shake vigorously for one minute. This step is extremely important to insure accuracy of test results.
Wait five minutes for the color to develop."

Especially these two steps

Vigorously shake the Nitrate Test Solution Bottle # 2 for at least 30 seconds. This step is extremely important to insure accuracy of test results.

Cap the test tube shake vigorously for one minute. This step is extremely important to insure accuracy of test results.


If you followed all those accurately then I'm stumped too. Maybe someone else could come and help, the way you described the puffer on the first page made me think it was nitrate poisoning.


Does anyways have any word on the safety of using that product Pura Phoslock? He said he used it on his tank.
I haven't found anything in direct relation to puffer fish but I read a study that says that it can cause a increase concentration of iron in fish.

Yes I followed the directions exactly, checked after 5 min and then checked again after 10 min just to be sure the color was fully developed...
I did remove the phoslock when I added the melafix, but the lfs claimed they had used it in their puffer tanks without issue, made sure it didn't contain copper and researched people saying they used similar products, although brand names weren't really discussed.
I'm stumped too right now, hoping more ideas will come to me...

sorry for the loss.

is it possible to get a pic of the body with a tape measure beside it?

Thanks, The body's already gone, I know he was about 3 1/4", far rounder than my other puffer though..

How did you remove the phoslock from your tank?

It's just granules that you put in a filtering bag and place in the filter, kinda like carbon only a finer filter. Just took the bag out, not sure how it reacts with the water if it partially dissolves or releases anything into the water which I wouldn't have changed by removing the bag. I was more concerned that it would effect the melafix than being the actual problem.

Sorry I couldn't be more help, with your puffer. The only thing left I could say is that maybe because you didn't use a carbon filter the med may have still been in your tank at a high concentration.


Anyways

Hows your other puff doing?

No worries, you tried, can't ask for any more... I was using a carbon filter until I added the melafix, probably explained that stuff poorly as it came with it's own filter sack that just sat behind the carbon filter, rolled up in the corner moreless. Regardless I probably won't be putting that back in, if nothing else just for peace of mind.

So far so good with the other puffer. Still eating and acting healthy but I'm still paying close attention.

Glad to hear your other puffer is still doing great! You are probably doing this already since you seem to really know your stuff. But make sure to test your water parameters every week allows you to make sure that your tap water doesn't go wacky and keeps you from falling into old tank syndrome - http://www.bestfish.com/oldtank.html. (not that this was the reason why your puffer died)

I agree with your conclusion to not use that stuff again on puffers for one less thing to worry about. I think I read that filter bags if not rinsed / replaced can be a source of nitrate buildup and general pollution. But its removed now and your other puffer sounds like he is well taken care of and healthy. Best of luck!