The Puffer Forum

1. ph- 7.2
ammonia- 0
nitrite- 0
nitrate- 10
salinity- 1.004
temperature- 81.5F

2. 55 gallon with Magnum 350, air pump, live plants
3 GSPs, one 2" two 2.5"
1 Butterfly Pleco
10 Bumblebee Gobies
2 Banjo Catfish
Uneaten ghost shrimp

3. Feeding- once daily rotation of mussel on the half shell, bloodworms, brine shrimp, mealworms, and crickets. Snails constantly available.
Water Changes - 30-50% bi-weekly, gravel vac monthly
Products- API Stress Coat at the higher of the two listed doses yesterday, 55ml total, API Aquarium Salt

4. Because of the spread of symptoms (hyperventilation, scratching, floating unusually at the surface, a couple instances of aimless swimming) from one of the three puffers to most of the tankmates over the last couple weeks, we did a 75% water change yesterday thinking that the problem might be heavy metals from old pipes. The water parameters were slightly different prior to this, but not significant. (i.e. 30ish ppm nitrate etc.) The symptoms are still present and we are leaning heavily towards gill flukes which neither of us have had dealt with before.

5. 6 months, fully established, parameters great.

Continued from 4- About 4 months ago, most of the inhabitants were shipped overnight from Wisconsin. Only one raised concern on arrival, one of the two larger GSPs, which had the telltale gray stomach which hasn't changed since. Around a month later, we noticed all of the GSPs scratching against ornaments and live plants. This never occurred prior to the shipment, and the water parameters were fine, so we assumed that there might be some irritant from the well water or from old pipes. Substantial water changes from other sources have likely ruled this out. Aside from the slight gray tint on the one GSP, and their infrequent scratching, there were no other symptoms. Yesterday, all of the tank inhabitants abruptly started showing the above listed symptoms. (Hyperventilation, floating at the surface, some aimless swimming, unchanged scratching.) In a controlled panic, we did a 75% water change after ensuring that the ph wouldn't spike dangerously. On a side note, the long-term gray bellied puffer's eyes have been different from the other two with what looks like a green dot on the pupils. Yesterday, we saw this for the first time on our mutual most beloved fish, the smallest of the 3 GSPs. I have never heard of it but can only assume it is related. I have purchased some Kordon Formalin 3 and intend on doing short term baths with the recommended dosage, first on the gobies as guinea pigs, then progressing up to the GSPs. I am hoping that someone has had experience with gill flukes, treatment of them, and/or any sensitivities of the listed fish to Formalin. (I know the shrimp and snails are toast; don't care.) Thank you for any insights or advice.

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you on this. I wanted to be sure I had time to read your long post thoroughly. Are you absolutely sure there are no ich spots on the fish?

One of ny other concerns (other than your fish being ill) is your stocking. The only BW fish you have in there are the puffers. They require a higher SG than they are in now (lower SG is compromising their immune system). Your puffers may seem OK in the 55g now but you're going to have to upgrade them to 2x that size, just for them alone & get the rest of your fish in FW, ASAP.
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=28113

I'd follow these directions for now & do not use those meds you have on your puffers. You may add Melafix to heal any wounds caused by parasites to them.
viewtopic.php?f=68&t=28469

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you on this. I wanted to be sure I had time to read your long post thoroughly. Are you absolutely sure there are no ich spots on the fish?

One of my other concerns (other than your fish being ill) is your stocking. The only BW fish you have in there are the puffers. They require a higher SG than they are in now (lower SG is compromising their immune system). Your puffers may seem OK in the 55g now but you're going to have to upgrade them to 2x that size, just for them alone & get the rest of your fish in FW, ASAP.
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=28113

I'd follow these directions for now & do not use those meds you have on your puffers. You may add Melafix to heal any wounds caused by parasites to them.
viewtopic.php?f=68&t=28469

Did you have all the fish for 4 months without disease?
Without a host to introduce disease/parasites, I'd imagine something would have become more obvious within 4 months.

BB Gobies are brackish, but low end, not high end like GSP's. The other fish need very soft, acidic fresh water, and GSP above 2" should be in 1.010 - 1.015 SG. Neither fish will do well very long in conditions they are not genetically adapted to tolerate. They will become prone to disease and premature death.

If your water is possibly containing metals, swap out your conditioner with Seachem Prime, double the dose. It does a better job than what you have.
Make sure you provide extra aeration while medicating, especially watch for them gathering and gaping ay the surface.

Formaldehyde based medications are not puffer safe.

Formaldehyde based medications are not puffer safe.

Thank you.^^ This was helpful. We instead used API General Cure (Praziquantel+Metronidazole) and saw remarkably fast improvement in both appearance and behavior. The GSP which has had a half grey belly since he was shipped is virtually all white for the first time since he was shipped, and we are only 6 hours in to a 4 day treatment.

Thanks both of you for your other concerns; we have been planning on raising the salinity and another tank is available for the others.

I'm glad they're feeling better!

good job getting your fish better!

Great news!