The Puffer Forum

My Green Spotted Puffer started acting weird about 2 days ago. At first she was just sitting on the bottom of the tank alot, and not swimming around like she usually does. Then it got worse. She started gasping at the top for air. I did a 50% water change last night and still no improvement this morning, its worse. She seems dazed. Shes circles up and down and gots caught on things and seems to be gasping even when shes not at the top. Her belly is very black.

I dont understand what could have caused this? ive had her for over a year in the same tank with no problems at all and no changes prior to her episode. Any advice would be helpful. I just dont want her to suffer even if it is her time to go.
Ph = 7.6
Ammonia = 0ppm
Nitrite= 0ppm
Nitrate= 35ppm

Your water parameters: N/A
Tank size; 20 gal
Feeding; shrimp and bloodworms
Other Inhabitants; none
Tank has been set up over a year ago with no big changes, just a 30-40% water change once a week

Without the water parameters it's hard to say what is wrong. For now do another 50% water change

Finally found my test kit!

Ph = 7.6
Ammonia = 0ppm
Nitrite= 0ppm
Nitrate= 35ppm

How big is your gsp? What salinity are you at? Nitrates are a tad high considering your recent 50% change, carry out another 50% partial or more if you can. Once he is feeling better I would seriously consider an upgrade to at least 30g, more is better though.

Id say shes about 2 and a half inches long. and i couldnt tell you on the salinity. my hydrometer is broken and no way to get a new one without ordering it online. & a bigger tank is close in her future if she makes it

Just did another 50% water change. Nitrates are down in the 20's now and everthing else is the same as before. How long should i wait to do another water change?

Change as much as you like, it certainly won't hurt

Do you feed everyday of the week? I would wait a few hours between water changes but keep those high, are you using dechlorination? You've been changing tank water without knowing the salinity? The beneficial bacteria in the tank needs to have a rather stable salinity of not changing more then .002 every few days, you may have killed the bacteria.


What was the salinity at before the hydrometer broke?

If there were nitrification issues, it should show in the ammonia or nitrite readings.

I wonder is there is any marine mix actually present... That pH is low for BW. Tank size is an issue and maybe the issue, but if the fish is stunted already, the water to fish proportion is not awful. The nitrate may have been way high (60-80ppm?) before that first noted water change.

What kind of shrimp are fed?

Is there incisor overgrowth? That is not a very crunchy diet.

You definitely need to order a hydrometer or a refractometer. Salinity is a big issue here.