The Puffer Forum

1.005 SG, 55 gal tank: 1 F8 I've had for about 4 years, a violet goby that's about 2 yrs, 2 new F8s Saturday
feeding about a tablespoon of ramshorn snails once a week, some fish flakes every other day depending on how much snacking's been done (size of belly), bloodworms once every few weeks
last water change was weekend before last
tank has been set up for 12 months, was set up at previous house before move, carried over 20 gal when moved

I bought 2 new F8's on Saturday, first I've been able to find for a while. One is doing great, it followed my older puffer around for the first day then starting doing things on it's own. The second one stayed at the bottom of the tank, found a corner and hung out there. It's been very inactive. Last night a gave a small amount of bloodworms and it nibbled at the bloodworms but went back to hiding at the bottom of the tank. Tonight I tried to give him a little more bloodworms to see if it would change it's attitude, but it just looked and ignored the bloodworms. I added some more snails since they devoured the ones I gave them last night. It's teeth are fine, no visible sores, it's stomach isn't sunk in but it isnt buldged out too much either so I figure it's nibbling on something. I can get a picture if that would help. I have tried turning off the light then coming back a little later and looks like it moves around so the only thing I can think of is to keep the lighting at a minimum for the time being.

Any suggestions as to what could be causing the change?

How was the puffer acting at the store? Was it eating, swimming normally, greet you at the glass?

pH?

Ammonia?

Nitrite?

Nitrate?

Water Conditioner used?

So sorry for taking so long to get back.
It was acting fine at the store, swimming around, coming to the glass, curious.
I havent been able to get to the store to get a testing kit, was hoping to get one today but that didnt happen. I dont use any water conditioner.

Since my initial post, it has been a bit more active. Hangs out around the filter output, not hiding anymore. I still havent seen it eat but it's obviously eating, stomach is a bit better rounded then it was when I first got it. It followed my finger on the glass earlier. I turned the heaters up a few degrees and it hung out around there for a while. Seems to be doing better overall. I'll try and be more timely in my updates

Good news! Finally was able to spot him eating. He's not the most powerful of swimmers tho Going to go get a kit tomorrow and will post results then.

Side note: Where is a good place to order MS 222? I see a lot of sites but would like to get some from a reputable place. I've used clove oil in the past but would like to be safer about it. My older puffer isn't a stickler on snail eating, I clip his teeth once every 8 months or so.