The Puffer Forum

Posted: **Tue May 30, 2006 2:13 pm**

Hi:

I have a new pair of Figure 8s. Bought about 6 weeks ago. From small local fish store. They looked great had been in store for several months. Kept in BW. Fish about 1.5 inches. Cycled BW tank for 1 month before purchase. First time puffer owner and I overfed and under cleaned water. Fed frozen krill and plankton. Have not been able to introduce snail food as yet. 5 days ago one puffer developed 3/8 in growth out of it's anus and has now died. At first sign of illness vacuumed extensively and changed 50% of water. No improvement, cleaned more and changed 30% of water yesterday. Remaining fish looks good but is not eating. PH is at 8, Nitrite is at .02 and KH is at 100. Specific gravity is at 1.6. Is remaining puffer at risk? Are my numbers OK?

Thanks

Posted: **Tue May 30, 2006 2:31 pm**

How did you cycle the tank?

Do you mean the SG is 1.006 or 1.6? I'll assume 1.006.

It could have been parasites. Searcht he forum for levamisol.

Do you have pictures?

Posted: **Tue May 30, 2006 8:21 pm**

Sounds like possible camallanus worms. I'd definitely treat with Levamisole or Prazi-Pro. If your fish is not eating, I'd consider treating the water column...but first check his teeth to make sure they're not too long and that's why he's not eating.

Eric

Posted: **Tue May 30, 2006 8:24 pm**

Pufferoni wrote:PH is at 8, Nitrite is at .02 and KH is at 100. Specific gravity is at 1.6. Is remaining puffer at risk? Are my numbers OK?

No. You shouldn't have any nitrite reading, it should be zero. I'd do a daily water change of at least 50% until it is. How big is your tank? What are your ammonia and nitrate readings?

Posted: **Tue May 30, 2006 8:44 pm**

On some nitrite tests 0.2 or whatever is the lowest it reads and is actually read more like 0.02 or less.

Ammonia and nitrate readings would be helpful.

Posted: **Wed May 31, 2006 10:05 am**

Thanks for the speedy replies. I will try some of the suggestions and redo the tests. I am already totally attached to this guy I'd let him live in my mouth if that helped.

Posted: **Wed May 31, 2006 12:36 pm**

Ok, I really like my fish but I'm not letting ANYTHING live in my mouth that's got something hanging out its butt.

Posted: **Wed May 31, 2006 10:44 pm**

Sorry I meant the other one.

Posted: **Thu Jun 01, 2006 8:53 am**

Pufferoni wrote:Sorry I meant the other one.

huh?

The Puffer Forum

Figure 8 Large pink thing hanging out of anus?

Figure 8 Large pink thing hanging out of anus?

Re: Figure 8 Large pink thing hanging out of anus?

Sick Puffer