The Puffer Forum

Hi all,

I have a SAP thats looking unwell. Its a bit bloated and hanging near the surface, not eating.

Here's the stats:
24 USG tank
6 SAPs (between 1-2")
10 rasbora henglii
pH 7.2
ammonia = 0
nitrites = 0
nitrates = 30ppm
TDS = 340ppm
Tanks been running for around 6-8 weeks, but was fishless cycled for 4 weeks prior to adding stock
Puffers have been in for 2-4 weeks (added in batches)
Lots of water changes. 2x50% minimum per week for the last 4 weeks

My latest SAP addition introduced Ich, which i treated for with a 'safe for all fish' treatment of malachite green and formalin. There didnt seem to be any adverse reaction to this and the other SAPs are fine.

But one of them is now looking pretty sick (started on the last day of the 8 day treatment. its a little swollen (although not puffed up) and isnt eating. it was one of the best eaters out opf all of them, always being first to the food (mostly frozen foods, bloodworm, mussel, brine shrimp, white mosquito larvea, snails etc).

Ive added some epsom salts to the water at 1 tbsp per 10G in case it was constapation, but no change. i've also added some melafix as its harmless and worth a try.

I'm guessing its an internal bacterial infection, but i'm after any other possibilities and advice. I'm setting up a hospital tank tonight so i can treat more specifically (i hate dosing the whole tank if its possible to avoid it).

Any advice welcome.

Cheers,

Borris.

Hi Borris. I don't know much about diagnosing illness other than internal parasites. Hopefully someone else can chime in soon.

30ppm nitrates is on the high end. What are your nitrate levels out of the tap? Your tank seems a little over stocked, which may be why your nitrates are high.
Any change in the fish's behaviour?
SAPs are known to have problems with overgrown teeth. Have you been feeding then lots of hard foods? Can you see if the teeth of the fish that is not eating are overgrown?

Hi Boris I think the reccomendations for SAP is 15usg per fish. (I am open to corrections on this) The nitrates look high and no matter what is up clean water helps I suggest 50% water change and if you have a spare tank separate it. A good general treatment is Metronidazole it will treat parasites and is antibiotic. Getting your hands on it in the UK is not easy as it's prescription only.

15g for the 1st one & then 10g for every extra. Your tank is grossly overstocked. The weakest fish will always die off 1st.