The Puffer Forum

Would the Epsom salt affect anything else in the tank, like my cories, shrimp, or plants?

Update! Came home from work and she was a lot more active. Also No heavy breathing! She still didn't eat anything, but I'll take it. Progress!

Epsom salt is Magnesium sulfate, it will not hurt anything.

She still won't eat (still looks fine, even her belly)...do you think more salt will help? or just let her be? how long can they go without food?

Epsom salt? No, you're using the right amount. Have you offered it live worms?

sorry, meant should I continue with the salt? Not increase the content. I've tried all her favorites. She's said no to snails, frozen blood worms and garlic, and even live black worms. Maybe I'll get some live brine shrimp later this week.

Salt doesn't' need to be re-added, unless you do a WC.

UPDATE: Over last weekend I Finally noticed her get excited and come to the front. She sort of picked at some food. Then the end of the weekend I had her eating some worms (live black worms & frozen blood worms). The only catch is that she is taking her sweet time to stare the food down first, which in turn gives the other more gluttonous puffer more food. I have been pretty good at distracting the smaller one first, but I feel like my big girl is back. She just doesn't have the sense of urgency at the moment. It's like she was on a diet. Her stomach isn't fat anymore, more almost flat (not sunken in).

What a relief! Us gals need a good diet every once in a while...