The Puffer Forum

Oh they are just so cute... Last Saturday I was surprised with an Eclipse 6 gallon tank and a 2" GSP from Walmart. I had 2 reef tanks when my wife met me a dozen years ago so this freshwater stuff should be a snap (she thought). Well I am doing all I can do and explaining the process along the way, but still learning about puffers... Had similar fish in past, cowfish, groupers, lions and various other ammonia spewing factories. Wasn't able to find any live bacteria or used media at LFS so I went with a Japanese moss ball to kick things off and a few plants to help with the ammonia. Have been doing 30-40% water changes daily and ammonia is about .25 constant. Still no snails for the guy but he loves freeze dried shrimp. Been squeezing them under water then he crunches them to shreds. If he makes it through the next few weeks I will acclimate to brackish and eventually full marine. His fins are a little nipped up but I think he got lucky with his new home here. I am sure most Wally Puffers die a miserable slow death. Wish Paul luck and any tips welcomed!

Welcome to the forum

And no he will not make it

Your tank is not cycled and the tank is Way too small for a GSP's bioload and personality..

Here is some information on GSP's
ug.php/v/PufferPedia/Brackish/T_Nigroviridis/

library/puffers-in-focus/an-introductio ... d-puffers/

and here is an emergency cycling article
library/water-filtration/emergencycycle/


Sorry, for the rude sounding welcome!!!!

purplecandle wrote:Welcome to the forum

And no he will not make it

Your tank is not cycled and the tank is Way too small for a GSP's bioload and personality..

Here is some information on GSP's
ug.php/v/PufferPedia/Brackish/T_Nigroviridis/

library/puffers-in-focus/an-introductio ... d-puffers/

and here is an emergency cycling article
library/water-filtration/emergencycycle/


Sorry, for the rude sounding welcome!!!!

I know tank is WAY to small.
I know tank is not cycled.
That is why I got the bacteria laden japanese moss ball.
It was all I could do on short notice. I thought the moss ball was a good idea considering my options.
The reason for the daily water changes is to help ease with the cycling.
I know the circumstances are terrible. That is why I posted here.
He seems to be looking and eating well.
How long do you give him?
I think I can keep him alive through the cycle.
Then will just be a matter of keeping eye on levels and doing a LOT of water changes.
But you are the expert...
Thanks for the welcome!!!

I wouldn't say expert...But we all here have been in the same position you are!!

The problem is, a puffer of any sort is the worst possible fish to cycle a tank with, which is what you are doing.

Any ammonia, high nitrates or nitrites in the water can kill a puffer quickly because they are scaleless..

Your second problem, is that a 6 gallon tank (even if cycled) cannot keep up with the bioload of a puffer..they just can't

So, how much time?? You are doing water changes and that is good and will help...but ammonia in the water is virtually a death sentence for a puffer..

Do you have any pics of the puffer (we love puffer pics)

OK pics coming shortly.
Too bad I just sold (gave away) all of my SW supplies at last garage sale. Had a wet/dry and a fluidized bed, skimmers, etc... But would be easier to just get a bigger tank I guess. Funny how this little guy might ending costing me hundreds more dollars to "rescue". I can't believe Walmart sells GSP's. Wonder what the survival rate is? Terrible. Shame.

Sorry. Tried to post pics. Too many hoops to jump through right now. Searching for filter media... Pics later...

You can use something like photobucket.com and just link us to the picture..

Survival rate for GSPs from Walmart is minimum..considering they are usually emaciated, have IP's, and have been subjected to a large move with exposure to ammonia and other nasties..

I won't say that I have always know what I was doing, but when I used to rescue them only a handful survived out of many.

I suppose the odds go down further considering the average walmart shopper. LOL

And yes, that is typical..a couple 100 dollars for a 5 dollar fish!

i had a very similar situation to yours puffer paul! I have had my little george 2 weeks now and the tank is finally cycled and he is looking great. My little 5 dollar cutie ended up costing me over 300$$ but im happy, ive always wanted one and he is doing great so in the end all the hard work and worrying was worth it!

Here is a picture of the poor guy when I first received him.



He is actually fatter and a little more colorful now.

AWW, a moderate grower...he will need a big tank soon!!!

If you like, some melafix for those fins.

Is there any way you can get a bigger tank ASAP. Im not sure but I beleive that Petco is still haveing the dollar a gallon sale. If so a 55 or even a 40b would be much better then tank they are in now. Aqua Clear filters are rather cheap too. If you really want these guys to make it then you must get a larger tank soon. Dont worry about trying to cycle it first just throw everything in the new tank once/if you get it. Try craigslist you can usually find really good deals on tanks there aswell.

purplecandle wrote:You can use something like photobucket.com and just link us to the picture..

Survival rate for GSPs from Walmart is minimum..considering they are usually emaciated, have IP's, and have been subjected to a large move with exposure to ammonia and other nasties..

I won't say that I have always know what I was doing, but when I used to rescue them only a handful survived out of many.

I suppose the odds go down further considering the average walmart shopper. LOL

And yes, that is typical..a couple 100 dollars for a 5 dollar fish!

if the puffer is from walmart will it be able to still grow to the full potential of a puffer bought from a better local pet store?

If fed & housed properly & any illnesses caused by their mistreatment is cared for, then yes.

k good. i got mine from walmart, but i got there really early (right when the delivery person dropped them off) i wanted to avoid him having to stay in their water for too long. his poop is round, but he is still hasn't grown much, or maybe not even at all and ive had him for about 3 months...could that be the walmart effect?

Thanks for all of the replies. Melafix today after work. Ammonia is below .25 and he is looking better than when he came home. Looking into bigger tank. Thought I was done with this hobby, was planning on getting back into it in my golden years. lol.