(ALL) Puffer problems, salinity questions, lead in brackish tank

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1 total messages Started by Richard Johnson Thu, 28 Jan 1993 21:35

#2926

Author: Richard Johnson
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 1993 21:35

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I recently converted a freshwater tank to brackish water and added
two fish: a large figure-8 puffer and a spotted puffer.  Both fish
did fine for a couple of weeks, but now they both are lethargic.

Originally, I added 1 tsp salt per gallon of water and set the temp.
to 78F.  The tank is 10gal and has a Whisper 1 powerfilter.  I've been
feeding the fish frozen brine shimp and snails from my freshwater tank.

Earlier this week, the heater (a cheapo Hartz 50W) failed, and the temp.
fell to 70F and then went way up to 86F.  I've replaced the heater, but
the larger puffer doesn't eat and mainly hangs out near the filter
intake tube.

Here are my questions:

- What is the right temp/salinity range for these fish?  I've been told
  that 75F and SG of 1.006 or higher is good.  Do the fish like more salt?
  Would they be happier with something around 1.015?

- Are the small, freshwater snails ok to feed to the puffers?  They really
  seem to enjoy a crunchy snack.

- The fish have no external signs of damage/parasites/etc; they're just
  sluggish and won't eat.  Is there some treatment I should try on the fish?
  Could they be hanging out on the intake tube because of some gill problem?

- I previously had plants w/lead anchor weights in the tank.  Could this
  be the cause of the problem?

Any response to the above or more info on puffers in general is greatly
appreciated!

Richard Johnson
rjohnson@cs.cornell.edu

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