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Just got a new humpback puffer and have a couple questions

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 10:44 pm
by Jason
Hello everyone, this is my first post here, i guess i had to start somewhere :).

Anyhow, my GF and i just recieved an approx five inch humpback puffer today. He has a moderatly long drive from the other side of the state to his new home.

At the moment he's in a 29 gallon tank with a thin layer of sand on the bottom and some artificial plants and a bit of driftwood. The temp is holding great at 78 degrees and at the moment i'm not sure on the Ph of the water (ran outa test kits chemicals).

At the moment he's sitting on the bottom of the tank (i was told they do that 99% of the time).

My main question is both of his eyes look a bit cloudy. I've never noticed it before, i was wondering if it was stress related or if i should start treating for anything. I guess the best way to describe the coloration of the eyes is like a snake before it sheds.

He's looking around at everything and hiding near the plants. I was trying to see if it was the way the lighting was in teh tank but now its fairly dim while he settles in.

Any information on this or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much for your time and information.

Be well, be safe and be happy.

Jason

PS he's also living alone and probably will continue to live alone until i see how he treats feeding times and what not. Actually the only puffers i have together are two Ceylons that never act up with each other and seem to hang out together.

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 11:25 pm
by Pufferpunk
My 1st question to you is: how was the tank cycled?

Check out their profile at http://www.pufferlist.com

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 10:47 am
by crazyforpuffs
I also have a humpback puffer - albeit, a wee bit smaller than yours - he also has a reflectiveness about his eyes that make them sometimes look cloudy. His eyes have been that way ever since I got him a few months ago.

I think Humpbacks just have these kind of funky eyes.

Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2006 7:05 pm
by Jason
Pufferpunk wrote:My 1st question to you is: how was the tank cycled?

Check out their profile at http://www.pufferlist.com
The previous inhabitants were removed and the substrate was changed to sand from another established tank, the driftwood and plants were also removed from established tanks as was a powerhead driven sponge filter.

More mechanical filtration is on its way as soon as the order from the online supplier shows up. I have been taking great pains to make sure no uneaten food remains in the tank for long and that water changes are done with dechlorinated water.

He has been eating bits of earth worms and night crawlers but could care less for shrimp. I haven't tried snails yet since i'm utterly out of snails....and working very hard to remedy that.

Sorry for my tardiness in responding been a busy couple days for me.

I'll check for ammonia at the first available chance. I'm very fond of this little bug eyed rock and want the best for him.

Jason

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 1:59 am
by RTR
My Palembang's does not touch snails so far as I can tell.

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 3:40 am
by Rocker
None of mine fair for snails either

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 6:13 pm
by Jason
Ah well then i'll save them for the Ceylons and my A modestus...they love em....he is eating worms and crawlers with enthusiasm. Thanks for the info :)

Jason

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 10:52 pm
by Jason
Well I got to really sit and watch him eat tonight and i'm rather amazed. He looked deformed stalking the worm some what hunched up and then when he struck the night crawler was chopped to bits in seconds. He's now poking around eating the little bits left.

His eyes have nearly cleared up, a friend suggested it might be stress related. I've been feeding him abit more heavily than I would normally since i've read they need only moderate feedings around three times a week.

I dont want to make him obese but i'd like to know he's getting enough to eat while he's settling in. This is a really fascinating species, the camoflage is impressive and he sees everything that goes on in his tank. He spends most of his time sitting on the sponge filter watching the other tanks and the room.

Jason

Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 1:24 am
by RTR
Mine stays under his (?) overhang except when he is hungry. If he is out, I offer food.