The Puffer Forum

1) ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 10, Salinity 0.010
2) 58 gallon with 4 x 1.5" GSP's
3)No changes
4)Aquarium set up for about 4 - 5 weeks. Used Bactinettes (live bacteria like bio spira)

At the moment Ive stopped feeding as they are hunting the shrimp that are still in the tank. I'm feeding the shrimp algae wafers and bloodworms when i can sneak them in!

All the puffers are flicking against the plants and ornaments. Im looking closely but cant see anything on their skin. No white spots, cant see parasites or anything. Been doing it for the past 2 weeks or so. They seem happy and healthy otherwise. White bellys, eating normal etc.

Ive been doing a 40% water change every couple of days to keep the water as clean as possible but it hasnt helped.

I wasnt sure about adding meds as i didnt want to poison my puffs. any suggestions?

How often do they flick the plants/ornaments, and is it all of them, or could it simply be the same puff doing it each time? Would you be able to describe the flicking a little more (such as "they whip their tail at it", or "they rub the side of their body over the plant/ornament in a burst of movement"). I really have no experience with this flicking stuff, though.

I would presume it was ich or a skin irritation, especially if all of them are flicking. Maybe a more experienced keeper can give you some better insight.

Its all of them doing it. They just sort of swim up to something, and then quickly flick their body up against it.

They do it quite regularly. Definately every day, but i dont watch them all day so i dont know how much.

I'd up the temp & add Melafix.

I do have some melafix. Do i add the normal dosage for the tank?
What temp should I raise to. Its currently at about 28C/82F

Raise to 86, add the recommended amt of Melafix & be sure there is good surface aggitation or an air stone.

Thanks, I'll try that now