The Puffer Forum

You can get an inexpensive powerhead from Petco for like $15, they also carry salt and hydrometers. Just don't ask the employees for advice.

Srkoe, Let's not confuse this gal with too much info. Right now, she's got to get the water parameters better. The puffer is probably suffering from ammonia poisoning. She can make the larger tank BW.

WOW, ok....I changed 75% of water, dropped 20 drops in, filled the tank back up. Do I keep the filter in or out?

Also, will Big Al's fish store have a hydrometer and all of those other items? Also get a test kit, marine salt too

Yes, of course you keep in the filter. What kind is it? Does the puffer look any better?

Yes, Big Al's should have everything you need, even a bigger tank! Have you been reading those links?

Puffer right now is NO LONGER sitting on bottom. She is swimming aroundwith other one.

Yes read part of the link and by the way, I am a "She" person. Name is Cheryl. The filter is a blue filter with charcoal. Keep in or out? She looks a lot better and breathing a little better not entirely great, but better....you are simply amazing. My list for tomorrow is READ and
Hydrometer
Marine Salt
Powerhead
Test Kit
I already have PRIME
Bigger tank
Lots of filtration

When you get a new filter Aqua Clear filters are a good choice, the bigger the better. Glad to hear your puffer is looking better. Puffer Punk isn't so shabby...lol!

Duh... IDK why I always FAIL to read the sex of the posters, except not everyone bothers to add that to their profile. You might want to change "My Puffers" on there too.

I'm glad the puffer is feeling better. If you've got the $$$, add an Aquaclear 110 to your list. A lot of this stuff can be purchased online & see if you have something like Craigslist in your area for a used tank. How big are the puffers now?

I have Aqua Clear on all my other tanks as well as this one, just not that big of one on this tank. Will get a bigger tank and then a bigger filter. Puffers were really tiny at first, but grew to the size of an inch and a half now. Nice fish, somewhere I read someone was feeding their puffers baby frozen peas. Another person said to feed them snails everyday because of their teeth. It has been great that I have had no problem for almost 6 months, guess after all of your help and expertise, I will re-click on the link again later oday and read, read, read. I guess I will turn in tonight and check her out later in the morning ten go shopping. You people are WONDERFUL!!! Just such a wealth of knowledge and the best group I have ever talked to. I couldn't have done i without you and my Puffers thank you totally!!!!!

They will reward you for your great care with a long life (can live into their teens) & puppydog-like love back!

I assume I can come back in later and keep reading and write my list for shopping. I think at 2:30AM I am going to bed so I can take my kids to school at 7:00. Again, I could not have done this without any of you and thanks PufferPunk for sticking with me through this whole ordeal. You're the BEST!!!!! I will let you know how she is later in the afternoon

Yeah, let's see your list in the morning, after you've doe all that reading. I'm going to bed too.

How's the puffer today? did you try offering it any foods?

The one puffer is still fine. The other is still puffed and not eating. Tried coaxing her but no takers. Water temp is 78 degrees and I am on my way to get testing equipment. Worked a deal with a gentleman selling his tank. He has a complete setup by Via Aqua Aquariums. Meaning comes with a built-in filters and lighting system that go on top of the tank. The tank is 32.5L X 17.5 W X 18 H making it a 45 gallon setup. The stand is included in the price. Has dark gravel for salt water fish in it.

I also read the articles you gave me links to. SG of 1.005 to 10 or medium Puffers 1.010 to 15.

0 for Amonia
0 for Nitrates
Nitrate Air below 20 (Not sure I saw how that's measured unless it is in the same Hydrometer.

It also said 50% water change weekly
Petco has all of the supplies. Not sure why I need the powerhead as I read the instructions, I assume to run the water in the bucket(s) overnight to mix the Marine salt. So I use this solution every week for the water change.