The Puffer Forum

My one DP is skinny compared to my other ones. No matter what she eat, she is still skinny. I have done 3 doses of PraziPro over the last 2 months but no change (did clear up any IPs in the other 3). She is in her own tank now at work. Any suggestions on what IP cure to try next. She eats well.

Well we can tell if they have IP by pics easier..maybe she is the RUNT? IDk

don't have a camera right now- not a runt. She is the same length and same heads size as the other 3- just kinda sunken belly and skinny- looks like a head with a stick body. Reminds me of what some of my other puffers looked like when I got them (I have 18 puffers right now- most were skinny when I got them- treated with PraziPro and fed them properly- now they are not fat but look well fed and sleek). I have been feeding brine shrimp, bloodworms, bits of mussel, and very small snails (I raise them).

Hm...Im not sure..Maybe it is IP? Well Hope it gets better.I use to watch my dp eat until all the blood worms are gone

Did you treat the tank or did you soak the food? Most antiparasitics need to be given orally also. library/hospital/internal-parasites-pre ... t/#more-75

Prazi works fine in baths(or so says Pufferqueen) but moreso in foods. However, most likely cause is protozoan internal parasites, which are unaffected by prazi or levimisole. Metrondazole or flubendazole should work. I have taken to using IP treatments that kill both true worms and protozoan IPs for this very reason. Wormer Plus and jungle labs parasite fizz tabs are two meds that do this.

nick I had to read it 5 times to understand it but hes all ways right(mostly)

Nick, did you mean Seachem Metronidazole? I only tried a dip with PraziPro. Also can you give any brand names- I don't want to run to That Fish Place or have it shipped. I only have one small and 2 chain pet stores in the area.

Hole in the head guard has metronidazole - it's a common IP ingredient. The jungle labs parasite fizz tabs have it, too. "general cure" has it, but I can honestly say that for some reason, I've never found general cure to cure anything.

found Gel Cure Ultra Cure PX- parasite cure for interntal parasites- has praziquantel, metronidazole and flubenol in it. Is gel but pretty thin- trying soaking the food in it, for other fish they say to not feed for a day or two then try feeding the gel to them. Will let everyone know how it works.

Lots of people have had very good luck with the GelTek medication, if that's what you bought.

Otherwise, yes, you can use the Seachem Metronadazole, I mix that with Levamasole and soak food in it. It must taste horrible though, as most fish tend to not want to eat it unless they've fasted a few days. From what people have said, the GelTek doesn't seem to have that flavor issue.

Remember geltek is very low dose, so soak the foods for a LONG time(fridge overnight is best) and discontinue it if they eat a few pecks of the food, but leave most of it. I find freeze dried foods soak of geltek the best by far, and highly recommend using them for this as it will greatly increase dose.

Unfortunately, she didn't make it. I had her in a tank I have a work. She was originally in with the other 3 DPs but I though she may have been bullied and decided to set up a 5g for her at work. the tank was cycled but she just never gained any weight. I tried the gel Tek for 2 days but she didn't want to eat it. I just got to work and found her (was off yesterday for the holiday). I don't know if I want the keep the work tank going now.

sorry about the loss of your little friend ryverrat.....that's so sad when we loose one of our little wee friends.....i say keep the tank at work though.....they can be such a nice break from the days confusions.......