New puffer help

[Baffels]

Just got this guy today, acclimated and into quarantine. Hes breathing hard and hugging the filter, anything I need to be worried about?

Reposting from the other forum to add emergency tag.

#fishmedic
#fishmedics

 

[vetteguy53081]

Both are never good signs
How did you acclimate it and for how long?
Did you match salinity?
What type of puffer?
Hanging in front of power head and heavy breathing often associated with velvet and in some cases flukes
What is your ammonia and nitrate level and what test kits are you using?

 

[Baffels]

Both are never good signs
How did you acclimate it and for how long?
Did you match salinity?
What type of puffer?
Hanging in front of power head and heavy breathing often associated with velvet and in some cases flukes
What is your ammonia and nitrate level and what test kits are you using?

Temp acclimate in the bag for 35 min, then drop for 1.5 hours. Salinity at the shop was 1.023, mine is 1.024 in the Q tank.

Porcupine Puffer.
Ammonia 0
Nitrate 0

Tested with both Hannah and redsea.

 

[Baffels]

Now sitting on the bottom, slower breathing but tail is curved.

 

[Baffels]

Annnnnnd im freaking out

 

[CWoods]

If you have an air pump try adding more oxygen to the tank. Can't do much without stressing it out even more.

 

[Baffels]

If you have an air pump try adding more oxygen to the tank. Can't do much without stressing it out even more.

I do, setting up now

 

[vetteguy53081]

Annnnnnd im freaking out

Curled tail not abnormal with a porcupine
They are susceptible to ich and flukes but don’t assume this is the case
As long as levels good , salinity not elevated- should be fine
They seem to adapt slower to new surroundings
Adding air stone will assure adequate oxygen
Inspect daily the first few days for any unusual signs

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Annnnnnd im freaking out

How does it look this morning?

Did you aerate the bag during the acclimation? 2 hours is pretty long - the fish will need supplemental air during that time.

Looks like you have it in a QT, good. I would start a coppersafe treatment today. As mentioned by @vetteguy53081 , this group of fish is very prone to disease, including ich.

Jay

 

[Baffels]

How does it look this morning?

Did you aerate the bag during the acclimation? 2 hours is pretty long - the fish will need supplemental air during that time.

Looks like you have it in a QT, good. I would start a coppersafe treatment today. As mentioned by @vetteguy53081 , this group of fish is very prone to disease, including ich.

Jay

Breathing slower this morning, still with a curled tail. Been using the rocks in the tank to hide a bit. Tried to feed shrimp this morning and he won't go anywhere near it.

 

[Baffels]

I also called the LFS, and found an issue. They guy who I talked to was misinformed and gave me the salinity of the frag tanks. The fish tanks are at 1.019 and I'm at 1.025.

 

[Baffels]

That being said, I still have the acclimation tank I used and it tested at 1.020. So, me being an idiot and not double checking things, threw him from 1.020 to 1.025 in almost an instant. What can I do, if anything?

 

[lulubap]

That being said, I still have the acclimation tank I used and it tested at 1.020. So, me being an idiot and not double checking things, threw him from 1.020 to 1.025 in almost an instant. What can I do, if anything?

Not an expert but sounds like osmotic shock. I don’t think there’s much else you can do as it’s already been introduced to higher sal water. Add an air stone, keep oxygen going. They’re in shock and gasping for air. Jay or vetteguy could probably give you better advice. Hope the little guy pulls through.

 

[Baffels]

Not an expert but sounds like osmotic shock. I don’t think there’s much else you can do as it’s already been introduced to higher sal water. Add an air stone, keep oxygen going. They’re in shock and gasping for air. Jay or vetteguy could probably give you better advice. Hope the little guy pulls through.

I know you said your not an expert, but should I try reducing the salinity at this point? Or is it too late?

 

[lulubap]

I know you said your not an expert, but should I try reducing the salinity at this point? Or is it too late?

You could try slowly reducing the sal to 1.019 and then raise it back to ~1.025, if it hasn’t been that long. Very slowly though, 45 minute drips might not cut it anymore. However, that’s probably what I would do and I am by no means an expert. If it were my puffer I would wait for someone who has more experience.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I know you said your not an expert, but should I try reducing the salinity at this point? Or is it too late?

I would leave it as is - the fish has already begun adapting to it, stressed out yes, but to suddenly take it in the other direction will just add to that stress.

Jay

 

[lulubap]

You could try slowly reducing the sal to 1.019 and then raise it back to ~1.025, if it hasn’t been that long. Very slowly though, 45 minute drips might not cut it anymore. However, that’s probably what I would do and I am by no means an expert. If it were my puffer I would wait for someone who has more experience.

I would leave it as is - the fish has already begun adapting to it, stressed out yes, but to suddenly take it in the other direction will just add to that stress.

Jay

Thanks for the clarification. This will certainly help in dealing with shock in my future QTs as well.

 

[Baffels]

I would leave it as is - the fish has already begun adapting to it, stressed out yes, but to suddenly take it in the other direction will just add to that stress.

Jay

Good news. He's still lethargic, but did eat some shrimp from my tongs just now.

That's g... good new, ya?

 

[Baffels]

Thank you all for the help. He is doing great now, eating krill like its going out of style. Munching on half clams as well. His big boi tank will be ready next week.

 

[LAReefer4Life]

Great news!