The Puffer Forum

Dear god I hope not...



I noticed a golden sheen / little golden spots on this little guy. He's the worst-looking of the bunch (6), but upon further inspection these dots appear to be on all of the DPs. I'd originally been treating for IPs, but now I'm not so sure I've got the correct diagnosis. Another big factor that alerted me to this not being IPs was the lack of the general "white, stringy poop" seen so commonly with them, and that all DPs have an average interest in food, eating small amounts every feeding. The puffer featured in the photo provided has not been able to overcome his scrawniness as the other 5 have, and 4 of them look quite a healthy weight, the other well on its way. Just this little one worrying me.

I've decreased the light cycle drastically in an effort to at least stunt the growth of this suspected velvet, until I can take further action.

Thanks,

Brent.

What makes you think light affects it? Treat the same as ich.

Velvet isn't dependent on light, I know, but it still has chloroplasts so I figured it couldn't hurt.

Here's my plan of action:

Step 1: Remove plants to a QT with no light for several days, and then on a regular light schedule for the rest of the treatment for the dwarfs.

Step 2: Raise temperature in aquarium to 83-ish degrees over 2 days.

Step 3: Dissolve 50 teaspoons of table salt into a container of water and slowly add in to display over the course of a day.

Step 4: Wait it out.

Questions:

Should I add Melafix to the water during the treatment or wait until after? The skin damage is very minimal so I'm not overly worried about this anyway.

Should I remove the substrate and driftwood from the tank during treatment?

Thanks,

Brent.

I wouldn't remove anything. Raise the temp to 86. Do huge water changes every other day. Add Melafix now.

Okay, thanks PP.

Oh yeah, add the salt too.

I got that.

Thanks.

that looks like my little guy before he / she died. Just withered away .. the other 2 are doing ok. One is still a little skinnk but there

Great encouragement J-P. Haha just kidding.

Glad your other two are doing okay.

I'd treat their food for IPs anyway. You won't hurt them any...

I still have been. Thanks for the tip, though. (:

I've got a blackworm culture coming tomorrow. VERY anal about quarantine now.