The Puffer Forum

A few questions from the newbies!

1. We got our two GSPs out of fresh or low salinity brackish water and believe they have ich. (We currently have them in .004 SG.) We would cure this as "freshwater ich" right? And at what salinity? What temp can they stand? I am nervous, and have read the articles, but would like to be sure!
2. Is it good to use a powerhead with GSPs?
3. Also, we put the liquid type bacteria in our new 55 gallon tank (they are currently in a QT) along with the instant ocean to a SG of .008... will this kill the bacteria? Do we need to "feed" the bacteria ammonia? Or will they live without feeding them?

I think that's it for now. I'm sure there will be more questions but thanks for now!

What "liquid bacteria"? If it's not Bio-Spira, all it will contain is dead bacteria. If it is B-S, the fish must be added at the same time as the product, or the bacteria will starve without fish waste to eat.

Are you sure you are seeing ich & not their tiny spines?

We are pretty sure it's ich, as the specks are on the right fin. They have not fallen off over the course of several days, however. I replied to you in the "introduce yourself" post regarding that as well. (Could it be something else?) What temp can they stand? They look a little sluggish at higher temps and like they are breating hard...

As for the bacteria, it was Petco brand bacteria in a bottle. We are going to put Bio Spira in the big tank when we put the puffies in there in addition... I figured we might have "killed" the dead bacteria becase we didn't "feed" them.

Powerhead use?

Thanks!

Well, if you do get Bio Spira for your little ones, put it in just before you put your fish in. Literally just before...in a matter of minutes kind of just before. I don't think a power head is necessary, the flow from the filter should be enough to keep them happy. My little guy enjoys swimming through the flow every once in a while, but not all the time. Granted, I do have a 40 on my 20g.....but he prefers swimming around where the flow is most of the times, unless he is chasing after my finger. Good luck with the ich. It hopefully will pass quickly with your help.

Like I said in another post, put those puffers in the 55g now.

Thanks for your answers!