The Puffer Forum

I think my figure 8 puffer has a prolapsed rectum!
He is in a 50 gallon brackish tank with one other figure 8 puffer.
I just did a WC yesterday. 30%
SG 1.004
Ammonia 0
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 20
pH 8.0
I use Amquel and Novaplus weekly with WC.
I have a penguin 350 bio wheel filter.
Temp is 78 degrees.
This tank is an up grade for them. It was set up 2 months ago and I had to cycle with them in it.
He has a pink nub on his rectum. I have seen it another time, but it went away. This time it's been over 12 hours!
I feed them mostly brine shrimp along with blood worms, ghost shrimp, and clams. They get 1 to 2 days fasting a week.
He's acting normal. There's no redness or drainage.
Should I try to give him an Epsom salt bath to relieve swelling and hope it corrects itself?!
Please help Petri! I have had him for about two years and love him!

Try adding 1 tbsp Epsom salt/5g to reduce swelling.

Pufferpunk wrote:Try adding 1 tbsp Epsom salt/5g to reduce swelling.

Right into the tank? Or just take him out and bath him in it for 15 to 30 mins?

In the tank.

Pufferpunk wrote:In the tank.

What's the epsom salt going to do to my tank? Do I need to do more frequent WC to rid the tank of it? I thought long term exposure to epsom salt can cause anemia? I read that you can soak their food in epsom salt if they are still eating? What are your thoughts on that?

It's just magnesium. Won't hurt a thing. Remove during your weekly water changes.

How's the puffer doing now? Did you treat with the Epsom salt?