The Puffer Forum

Hello, I'm new to this forum and to puffers. I got 2 figure 8 on Wednesday and one died 2 days after. I'm pretty sure he was already sick when I got him and didnt notice it. Before he died i had put some API ich cure treatment but was reading that could kill them so i out the carbon filter back. Next day did wa big water change about 40% and added Prime and upped water te p from 77 now 81, tank is 30 gal.

After water change and food given tested water, btw he is in freshwater for now.
Testing results:
NO3 was less than 20,
NO2 0.5,
PH between 8/8.5,
KH 240 & GH 180. Not sure if these 2 are good or too high.

Now I think the 2nd one had started with same simptoms only difference is this one acts normal with eating and swimming. I read somewhere I could add table salt (iodize?) to water? But couldnt find how much, I also have marine salt. So which one will best to add? Can i add Pimafix and/or Melafix? Unsure on what to do. Please help!
*It wont let me attach pic-will try from laptoo

Ammonia? Please answer ALl the questions above, in red.

Not sure I guess the test strip I used didnt include ammonia.
The tank was set up a week and half prior to getting them, cycled it, also used API accu-clear.
Before the other died I added about 2 tsp of salt first dialuted it using same tank water, maybe it wasnt enough to help.
For feeding im giving frozen kreel, frozen clams, brine shrimp which he doesnt seem to like and some but very little vibra bites.
First water changed 40% was 2 days ago right after one died, later today will do another change but small, maybe 25%, and add more prime to new water.
I havent made any changes to the tank im afraid too except for the water change.

How EXACTLY did you cycle the tank? Get API liquid test kits, strips are unreliable.

My boyfriend set it up, so to my knowledge he prepared the tank by adding api accua-clear and a piece of his pellet fish food few days later (I didnt have the food for the puffers yet), to create the bacteria needed before getting the puffers. Also washed the filter once.
Ok I will get the liquid test.

Sounds like the tank isn't cycled. It's really important you get good parameter readings for ammonia/nitrite/nitrate/pH

What makes you think the fish has ich? Ich-X is is what is recommended if it indeed has the parasites.
library/water-filtration/fishless-cycling/
library/water-filtration/emergencycycle/

Some great info thank you. He started with some dots didnt notice until it covered its whole body (it happend so darn quickly) and then they looked like wet salt grains and he was just there not moving. Maybe it wasnt ich but some other illness.

The reason I ask is that small puffers have tiny white spines that look like tiny grains of salt.