Fahaka Puffer

[interbug]

Hi. Hopefully someone out there has experienced a similar situation and perhaps could put my mind at rest.

I have a Fahaka Puffer fish who's around 4 years old. He's in a 450 ltr tank and the water chemistry is very good as far as Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrates are concerned. As for PH I have never taken it seriously and havn't tested it for a while now.

Notable Factors leading to change in Health

• Tank treated with Protalon-707 to clear Algae
• Tank treated 2 Months later with same product (Worked first time, not so good the second)
• Went From feeding every day, to every other

Present Condition

• Upper Lip and Head look swollen
• Seems to be breathing quicker that he used too but not certain
• Common white spots in Dimples have increased. Some white spots are slightly stringy, flesh like, but no longer than say 1mm.
• Off food, I didn't think he was eating at all, until he gagged (usual reflex when eating some shells) and coughed up a live shrimp that swam off into the sunset. However despite not observing him eat (which is unusual, he usally trys to eat it before you get to his tank) his belly looks like he has.
• Very active still, although colours have intensified
• Teeth look in good condition as far as I can tell.

It may be nothing, but thought I would ask incase anyone thinks I should be concerned or treating the tank with something. Last water change 3 days ago, 50%. Usually I find that fewer water changes are needed, probably about 20% every two weeks. Water chemistry has always been good and the tank is filtered with a EX1200 external filter.

Many Thanks

Greg

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[mark4785]

I don't know much about Puffer fish but my advice to you would be to pay more attention to the PH level as this could be the variable, which if not at the right level for your fish, could cause swelling or other forms of external irritation.

As for the algae treatments; I've used many algae treatments in the presence of many cold water fish and have observed no adverse responses, but this observation is something I wouldn't want to generalise to a puffer fish.

Ideal water stats for this fish seem to be:

Water pH Range: 6.0-7.8
Water Hardness Range: 8-15 dGH

 

[talisker]

i don't know whats wrong with your puffer but have you tried asking here.

#90###/forum/index.php?sid=422703413d620b6d08b49b8d56f52335

there are some very knowledgeable puffer people on there

 

[interbug]

I don't know much about Puffer fish but my advice to you would be to pay more attention to the PH level as this could be the variable, which if not at the right level for your fish, could cause swelling or other forms of external irritation.

As for the algae treatments; I've used many algae treatments in the presence of many cold water fish and have observed no adverse responses, but this observation is something I wouldn't want to generalise to a puffer fish.

Ideal water stats for this fish seem to be:

Water pH Range: 6.0-7.8
Water Hardness Range: 8-15 dGH

Thanks for the reply. Checked the PH today, 6 so that can hopefully rule that out for the time being. I think he may be constipated, something stringy is hanging out of his Anus, and concerningly he has developed a twitch. I will try some Epsom Salts tommorow when the shops open.

Getting worried so treated the tank with Anti-internal bacteria (half dose) despite his fat appearence.