The Puffer Forum

I work at a lfs and unfortunately most of the time we order GSP they come in with horrid (bacterial?) fin infections that leads to high mortality. The fins have white patches which look thick, sometimes globular. Gradually this deteriorates the fins and the fish become more and more lethargic, stop eating, sit on the bottom and die.
I usually give them Melefix when they first come in for a few days, which does nothing at all. The infection is far too advanced when they arrive.
I have tried Kanaplex with minimal success- while treating eight fish last time only one survived.
Any other suggestions?
I usually keep the SG around 1.008 do you think higher or lower might be best? I use Kent marine salt.
Temp 78F
They are usually in a species tank, especially when I move them to a hospital (20G bare bottom), currently with a Mono but I"ve never seen the Mono make a move at them.

Thanks!

How many are you keeping in a tank and what is the water quality in that tank like?

Kanaplex should help. I'd also keep adding the Melafix & also Pimafix. Of course, pristine water conditions are necessary for good fish health/strong immune system. Aquarium salt is the incorrect salt to use. You should use marine salt to make BW. It's nice to hear someone at a LFS cares!

Yes Kent is marine salt that is what I am using. I might switch to Seachem "Brackish salt" when it is more available, as most of our customers want planted tanks at home and I'd like to match that for them.
Water quality is impeccable. pH 7.5, Am 0, NitrIte 0, NitrAte almost undetectable, P 0.
We usually order 10 or so fish at a time, sale tank is 25g and hospital is 20g. The fish are usually 1.5"-2" at arrival, give or take.
Sale tank has been cycled since December, and hospital tanks are flushed with hot water and dried between uses, and bacteria added when restarted.

I feed them everything I have available, something different every day. Mysis shrimp, spirulina brine, blood worms, snails if I can find them, silk worms, butter worms, wax worms, crickets. NO feeder fish, unless someone is using those behind my back.