The Puffer Forum

Hi everyone,

This is my very first post, however I do lurk quite a bit. I don't think a better place exists for puffer information.

Having said that, here's my dilemma...

I have a Auriglobus modestus (2 actually, but only one with the problem) and his teeth need to be clipped. He's always had teeth problems, he has a gap in the front, and is completely uninterested in the snails I offer. At any rate, I know I need to make him eat something to keep his teeth in check, but for now, I've got to clip them.

I bought the finquel, and read and read and read about how to do it. What I can't find is how much to use! If I had a scale to weigh out the amount, perhaps it would be easier, but since I'm working with teaspoons, I need help.

He's about 3-4 inches. Can anyone tell me how much to use per gallon of water for his size? Remember, I'm working with teaspoons, not grams.

Thanks in advance for your help!

I used the tiny scoop that comes in my Salifert test kit & added it to 2 cups of water. Worked well.

Thank you! I have a tiny scoop that came with a bunch of stuff that was given to me. I assume it's for a test kit. It's very very small...same thing, you think?

I found this on a goldfish site (the baking soda/buffer is because it works slower in soft water I guess). Mind you this is for goldfish, who are generally tougher than puffers, and intended for longer procedures.. so maybe a slightly smaller dose would be better for puffers?

To sedate with Finquel:

Things you will need:

* Finquel (MS-222)- to sedate the fish, so you can treat it. Available from PondRx.
* Baking soda (to buffer the Finquel solution)
* Clean Towel and pillowcase
* 2 Buckets one for sedation and one to transport fish back to its tank
* Airstone

Instructions

* Set up your work area and make sure everything is very clean.
o Lay out a towel and one of those hospital blue pads. a pillowcase on top would also work (it's smoother than the towel)
o Lay out your other materials within easy reach
* Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of Finquel and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda per gallon of water used in your sedation bucket. Use water from the tank if possible and match tank temperature.
* Place fish in the solution. When it turns over on its side and gill movements slow, remove it from the solution and perform the procedure. If the fish doesn't roll over in 10 minutes, you can add another 1/8 teaspoon of finquel and baking soda per gallon (Use some of your existing water to dissolve it in and make sure it disperses well when added to the sedation bucket).
* You will want to work quickly and finish the procedure you're performing as quickly as possible.
* Make sure you keep one hand on the fish at all times in case he starts flopping around. Don't want any falls off the counter!
* After you've finished the procedure, place the fish in a bucket of clean water and return him to the tank.
* You may need to hold the fish for a little while in an area where fresh water is moving through its gills (e.g. by the outflow of the filter) until he gets less groggy.

I don't think you need a bucket for a modestus though.

Thank you all! The operation was a success and the patient recovered quickly and with slightly shorter teeth.

Being that it was my first time, I did not clip as close as I probably could have, but I think now he'll be able to chomp on some snails to wear them down himself.