The Puffer Forum

One of my F8s was a bit long in the tooth. I ordered some Finquel from the Drs., and gave it a go, but I want to get some feedback from anyone else who has used MS-222, as I suspect puffers need a higher dose than typical tropical fish.

The Finquel instructions advise 75mg/liter for non-livebearer tropical fish. The preparation section of the manual states that one level teaspoon of Finquel is approx. 2.0 to 2.5 grams, and this much (2.25g) would produce a concentration of 120 mg/liter in 5 gallons of water. I calculated that 1/8th of a teaspoon would produce my desired concentration of 80mg/liter in 1 gallon of water. I double checked my estimate based on the mg/litre to g/gallon conversion, and this should be correct.

At this concentration my F8 slowed down, but was still quite awake at 3 minutes. I added approx 1/16 teaspoon additional MS-222 and after 2 minutes at the new concentration, his fin movement had ceased and he just lay at the bottom of the container. Upon removal, he was sedate enough to trim his teeth, but did squirm a little, so I know he wasn't completely out.

I am thinking next time I have to do this, I will double the concentration. (1/4 teaspoon MS-222 per 1 gallon of water). This should put my concentration around 160 mg/liter, which is in the recommended range for other fish (goldfish, channel catfish..). I was just curious what concentrations other people have used for their puffers?

Thanks,
Jake

I haven't used it yet, so this is very interesting.

I would give the manufacturers a call and see what they say. I know MS-222 is used often just to mildly tranq fish, so they are more calm and less stressed during handling and moving, so maybe a different dose is required to actually knock them out.

Myaj wrote:I haven't used it yet, so this is very interesting.

I would give the manufacturers a call and see what they say. I know MS-222 is used often just to mildly tranq fish, so they are more calm and less stressed during handling and moving, so maybe a different dose is required to actually knock them out.

I'll send them an email and see what they say. The concentration of 75 mg/liter is in the "Concentrations Required for Rapid Anesthesia" table.

I had one of my F8s teeth/beak done at a local vets who specializes in aquatic/ fish issues, he's also a good friend. He added something to the bag and within seconds he was out for the count, this was a powder but not sure what, he came round fine when placed in the recovery bag. IF YOU ARE IN THE UK, I COULD GIVE YOU HIS DETAILS, HE'S VERY HELPFUL FOR ADVICE OVER THE PHONE IF THAT WOULD HELP? Ooops, hit caps lock by accident , sos, too tired to re-write.
He said if i keep on top of them with enough, snails/shell on stuff, i shouldn't need to have it done again.