The Puffer Forum

Bred, Sari:

Thank you so much for your attention to my mess here; this has been terribly stressful and, as I've mentioned, I have no where else to turn but this forum. I had no idea these creatures could be so sensitive. This is the first such emergency I've had in years of aquarium fish-keeping. It's more than apparent to me that Puffers are in a category all their own.

I guess the issue now is whether the water quality will improve fast enough for this little fellow will feel well enough to eat something before he expires. Today, for the first time, his underside turned a sickening gray -- and I debated whether it wouldn't be the proper ethical decision to euthanize him.

I still can't believe that after 'rescuing' him from his dreadful situation in the LFS, investing in a new 40-gallon tank plus all the very best accoutrements on his behalf, and then running out in the middle of the night for seafood and garlic, I've nearly killed him.

Would the readings I mentioned earlier (the ones I took myself) be toxic enough to make him this ill? I guess I'm still wondering if maybe it's not something else....

Gratefully,

Peter

Peter, don't worry too much. In a perfect world, you would have introduced your puff to a fully cycled tank. But those readings, although still toxic, are not as bad as some I've seen in the past. The grey belly is a sign of stress from the ammonia & nitrite, but if you both hang in there there's a pretty good chance it will turn out fine. With the BioSpira, the tank should be under control soon.

During the ordeal, it will help to provide good aeration--for instance, if using a Hang on Back filter, drop the water level in the tank a bit so there's more surface disruption.

B-S should be added directly into your filter, otherwise in a tank already having cycling problems, it may take longer to work. That way, the bacteria will establish in the filter & you can start water changes sooner. You can do a 80% water change beforehand but would be best to wait at least 24 hours before doing another WC.

How's he doing?
Pami.

Update Tuesday 5 July 2005

I hope the Biospira is doing its good work -- will do a water change this evening, as it's been cycling through two very good filters that have a biological medium.

Our friend appears gray on his underside off and on, which I find strange. If I approach the tank very cautiously -- and unnoticed -- he appears gray, and is stationary, near one of his hiding places on the tank's bottom. When he sees me, he will swim about, and his underside turns off-white before my eyes.

He's nibbling a bit of his special garlic shrimp, but not nearly with the gusto that I know a Puffer is capable of. He seems weak, but is apparently hanging on.

I'm extremely grateful for all of the help and support from this eclectic gathering of Puffer experts -- particularly from Bred, whose dedication to these creatures is great indeed. I've also gone back to the Library, and found more background material (even regarding freshwater and marine Puffers, respectively) that's been insightful.

Sounds promising Peter.
A year and a half ago my GSP Izabella was in as bad state after her tank had a total crash with sky-high nitrites as the result.
I was sure she was a goner, but thanx to advice I received in this forum she pulled through.

Today she's the queen of the castle and looks like this...

Good luck!

Sounds like he's rounding a corner...just keep up with those water changes and he'll be fine.
Glad to hear that, Pami.