The Puffer Forum

Hi, I recently got a cutcutia puffer and have been in my quarantine tank for 2 weeks. I treated him with paraguard every other day and levamisole HCL twice a week. I took out about 20-30 worms on the first week. The second week there were more worms. He was doing fine until 2 days ago. He is unable to swim or balance correctly. He spins/spirals like a football when he swims. After researching I assume he has swim bladder disease. He is still in quarantine and is still passing worms, found about 5-10 worms today. He hasn't poop for 2-3 days so far. I added in 2 teaspoon of epsom salt to his tank today. Any advice or suggestions would help.

Spec:

Puffer:
Cutcutia puffer 1.5in
Active, doesn't look stress. Fed it pond snails however he stop eating 3 days ago.
Color looks normal, nice white belly.

Tank spec:
5.5 gallon quarantine tank w/ 90% water change every day.
PH: 8.0
KH: 8
GH: 8
TDS: 230
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 5-10
Temp: 78F
No subtrate, 3 fake silk plants.

Is there any chance it swallowed air?

Nope, he does not eat on the surface, so I don't think he swallowed air. I tried the burping method found on this site earlier just to make sure.

Then the best you can so is the Epsom salt & good water parameters.