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Can you tell the salinity based on your puffers color ?

Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 1:56 pm
by sparks42
Hello, I've had a GSP Chomper for about 6-7 years now, so I guess I'm doing something right.
He is happy and seemingly healthy.

He's alone in a 75g however he only grew to about 3 inches.

Anyways, I just want to say that I've really only measured salt once or twice, I've successfully been "winging it" when it comes to the water.
I've noticed that if there's not enough salt, his green/yellow seems kinda dull, and if it's bordering too much salt, the top of him kinda glower or appears really bright.

Have I just gotten very lucky, or does anyone else use this method to tell if there's the right amount of salt ?
I thought GSPs were very picky and sensitive when it came to this stuff.

I know this sounds horribly negligent, but again he's been here for 6-7 years now so I must be doing something right.

Also, I just treat it like a freshwater aquarium, just with some salt in it.

Also also, because he's no longer young, am I supposed to continue increasing the salt forever? Or was that just until he's done growing?

Thanks all :)

Re: Can you tell the salinity based on your puffers color ?

Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 2:28 pm
by G S P Freak
I was always under the impression that a bright green head and white belly meant the puffer was happy. If I were you id go buy a cheap refractometer and stop guessing :P
Adult GSPs are best suite to full marine conditions.

Re: Can you tell the salinity based on your puffers color ?

Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2014 2:06 pm
by purplecandle
One of my old gsps was dying for a month but he never lost his bright green spot. :(

Re: Can you tell the salinity based on your puffers color ?

Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2014 11:01 am
by G S P Freak
purplecandle wrote:One of my old gsps was dying for a month but he never lost his bright green spot. :(
Further proof one should use measuring equipment and not puffer color... Ive heard of Gsps with grey bellies who are perfectly healthy too, just emo XD.

Re: Can you tell the salinity based on your puffers color ?

Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2014 2:44 pm
by Welch4
I monitor my levels like a hawk and my puff will go from bright white to greyish at different times of the day. Always super happy regardless of color unless i just woke him up.