The Puffer Forum

Well garlic on its own, while not PROVEN to, seems to remove parasites. I have been trying this with some interesting results. I'm not a scientist so I can not say for certain but, my puffer seems parasite free. After about 5 days using the garlic he seems more round in body shape.

I dont want to highjack the thread I just wanted to double check something one of you guys posted,

Someone said about having to feed snails to trim the DP's beak, I thought this was not an issue with the carinotetraodon travancoricus (dwarf puffers). Dont get me wrong you should still feed a variety but I didnt think snails or crunchy foods was essential with this species?

I meant to say something about the garlic and forgot...thanks for adding that! I always have refrigerated minced garlic I just use the juice out of that.

This is exactly how you need to use the meds I told you about.

-First do a massive water change and over condition with some Prime.
-Remove carbon from filter
-Dissolve 1/2 Parasite clear tablet in a cup of TANK water. Once dissolved pour into tank. (1/2 is
assuming you are still using the 5 gallon tank)
-soak food in 1/2 tab of medication and feed to puffs (brine shrimp tend to soak up more meds)
-48 hours later do another large volume water change and repeat all steps once more
-after another 48 hours do another massive water change, the parasites should be dead at this time

During this treatment always feed them with food soaked in Parasite Clear and garlic. When you are done with treating the water you can stop feeding meds as well. You really need some Prime though? It is a wonderful product. It will be easier to dose the 6 gallon than to do it after the puffs are in a larger tank. You should treat for IP's immediately. And always vacuum your substrate well.

If you are short on funds right now at least get some Prime and meds for IP's. You really need to get them in a larger tank asap...a 20 gallon will be fine of that's all you can afford. What you really want to do is spend some extra $$$ on a good filter, and one that is rated at least 30 gallons on a 20 gallon would be better. You don't want something too strong as it will throw the little guys around. You really need a good test kit as well. However if you don't have $$$ for a tank, filter and text kit at once get the tank and filter first and assume your water conditions are bad and do daily partials until you can get a good test kit. Once you get your new tank please feel free to ask lots of questions so we can set you on the right track!!!

I have read conflicting information about feeding dwarfs snails. I do it to cover all bases. Plus it is fun to watch them hunt!

Another question, as it is sleep time for my puffs... As soon as the lights go out, they disappear! I find them (sometimes! They're good hiders!) and when I find them they are hiding in plants, near the middle and top of the tank. Is THIS normal? Are they "sleeping"? Is it normal to do when the lights go out?

my puffers like sleeping on top of plants or rocks at nite...perfectly normal

Since you are on a budget, try looking on craigslist or freecycle (or the Canadian equivalents) for a larger tank, filter, etc. I've got 4 tanks and all but one came from craigslist ads.

In case anyone was wondering, I switched to feeding my puffs once per day, and have been doing 1/4 water changes daily. My puffs are now quite active and do not stay near the bottom all the time.

Sounds great. Good to hear.

I've checked kijiji and they're all too big or overpriced right now

I've used Kijiji and other online classifieds in my area. Sometime if the ad has been up a while you can e-mail them and offer less than they are asking. If you check the ads close to the end of the section...lots of people will let them go cheap just to get rid of it.

Good luck

Thanks.

Go online and check the classifieds of your local newspapers as well. Keep up on those water changes as well!

Just curious if anyone has some pics of what puff tummies are supposed to look like? My puffs have round tummies and I want to make sure I'm not feeding them too much or that they aren't sick.

Thanks!

Did you look at the pics in the Pufferpedia?