The Puffer Forum

I’ve had this Fahaka for about 2 months now. Very active and eats well. Never thins out much between feedings- if anything his belly remains well rounded. He is about 3” and has maybe grown 1/2” since getting him. I don’t see his poo too often but when I have it looked normal- chunky/roundish.

Tank has been set up for about 4 years, it’s fully cycled, 180 gallon. pH is 8.2. Ammonia 0. Nitrite 0. Nitrates 5.

There’s a bristle nose pleco in there.. because I couldn’t get it out.

I change about 100 gallons of water every week. Use prime. I also use Purigen- which is amazing for removing the tannins from the driftwood. I have treated with Metro and prazi pro, about 4 straight feedings of each on separate occasions. Last one was probably over a month ago.

He eats shrimp, clams, earth worms, blood worms and snails. Larger meal every other day or every third day with smaller meals on off days if his belly isn’t too big still.

No changes to the tank since adding the puffer.

Do you think the poo in the attached picture is a sign of IPs? Or something else that needs treatment? As mentioned he does not think out between meals and his activity has always been normal. The picture is from this morning and he was not fed anything yesterday.

Thanks for the help.

You are doing great with this fish! I really don't think you have anything to worry about.

Thanks PP, thats reassuring. I just always associated white stringy poo like that with IPs... I treated the fish with the metro and prazi before mainly as a precaution and because the lack of growth seen. But maybe i just have to be more patient for the growth.

Did you treat the water or its food?

Its food was soaked in the meds.

Good