InstantForum.NET v4.1.3Forumshttp://forum.marinedepot.com/forums@marinedepot.comMon, 06 Oct 2008 10:48:45 GMT20http://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxHi Kelly,<br><br>I am sure you realize but we have been communicating on another thread. <br><br>I was really wanting to know if this thread starters Puffer made it since he Tube fed. I am planning on starting this on Saturday.But I will leave that for the other thread you and I are using.Thu, 15 May 2008 22:11:36 GMTjtesdallhttp://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxCan you tell us more about your puffer and its behavior/condition?Thu, 15 May 2008 06:55:21 GMTPuffer Queenhttp://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxHow is your Puffer? I am having similar problems and am trying to find out if people are succesful getting them to eat again.Mon, 12 May 2008 11:53:21 GMTjtesdallhttp://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxSorry to hear of the passing.<br><br>Do you still have the puffer - in freezer??Sat, 16 Feb 2008 20:27:49 GMTPuffer Queenhttp://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxsorry to hear <img align="absmiddle" src="http://forum.marinedepot.com/Skins/Classic/Images/EmotIcons/Sad.gif" border="0" title="Sad">Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:12:31 GMTforestalhttp://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxYesterday, Mr. Puffy died...<img align="absmiddle" src="http://forum.marinedepot.com/Skins/Classic/Images/EmotIcons/Crying.gif" border="0" title="Crying"><br>It was a sad day. He had not eaten since apprx October.<br>Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:18:13 GMTshs1451http://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxCopper should only be used in bare bottom tanks with no porous materials - live rock, etc. These materials can absorb the copper and leach the copper out at a later date if the water parameters change - this could lead to toxicity.</P><P>Always follow the directions on the copper and treat for the entire duration regardless if the spots are gone.Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:17:36 GMTPuffer Queenhttp://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxThanks for your response. We haven't considered anesthesia yet...</P><P>On another topic, we have a 45 gallon saltwater tank that has 4 fish in it, relatively new inhabitants. The largest is a pink tailed trigger that seemed to be exhibiting some signs of ich. He had small white "dots" near his eyes, and only a few on his body. His behavior never changed, and his appetite is the same. We discussed this with a fellow hobbyist whom suggested we use copper. We have been using it the past couple of days, and have been monitoring levels as well.</P><P>The ich seems to be gone at this point. We were just wondering what your opinion was on copper use in tanks?Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:21:52 GMTOhiosaltwaterfishlovershttp://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspx<div class="Quote"><b>Ohiosaltwaterfishlovers (1/15/2008)</b><hr noshade size="1" class="hr">Thanks for your response. We have attempted to tube feed him, but what we "blow" into him, in small amounts seems to come out of his side gills. He actually clenches down on the tube, gets a little agitated, puts up with us, and goes back in his corner to rest. We figure he has to be getting something, how could he live this long? How could he expell all of the food we give him? We have added vitachem, and actually put a little bit of "First Bites" baby fish food in the water, thinking that somehow he will "suck" some of this in.</div></P><P>Might consider using anesthesia when tube feeding to decrease stress and prevent injury to you or the puffer. There is also the chance that the tube could be bitten and ingested. </P><P><div class="Quote">On another topic, what is your opinion on copper and its use in tanks?</div></P><P>Why do you want to dose with copper?Wed, 16 Jan 2008 06:40:20 GMTPuffer Queenhttp://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxThanks for your response. We have attempted to tube feed him, but what we "blow" into him, in small amounts seems to come out of his side gills. He actually clenches down on the tube, gets a little agitated, puts up with us, and goes back in his corner to rest. We figure he has to be getting something, how could he live this long? How could he expell all of the food we give him? We have added vitachem, and actually put a little bit of "First Bites" baby fish food in the water, thinking that somehow he will "suck" some of this in.</P><P>On another topic, what is your opinion on copper and its use in tanks?</P><P>Thanks.Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:39:50 GMTOhiosaltwaterfishlovershttp://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxTaking a guess, I'd say he's +/- 5" long (that's looking at him through the glass of course!)...<br>He's lost about 1/3 of his size. He's probably about as big now as when I first got him.<br>He's been in a 55 gal tank. Currently only one other tank-mate for the past 2-3 years, so he's got plenty of room.Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:36:06 GMTshs1451http://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspx<div class="Quote"><b>shs1451 (1/4/2008)</b><hr noshade size="1" class="hr">Porcupine. I've had "him" for about 5 years. Fed mysis and defrosted krill.<BR>I'll try to post a pic here this weekend.<BR></div></P><P>Thanks for posting the pics - the puffer definitely looks think! The lower jaw is very prominent - "pointy".</P><P>How big/long is this puffer? How big was the puffer when you got it five years ago?</P><P>What size tank is the puffer in?Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:33:26 GMTPuffer Queenhttp://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxHere are a couple of pics I took. I have tried adding vitamins to the food, but have not tried ghost shrimp. I did try small feeders though, and he went after them, cornered them...and that was all.<br><br>(not certain if the uploaded pic's posted. If not, how do I include in my reply??).<br>Thank uMon, 07 Jan 2008 13:14:13 GMTshs1451http://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxDiets consisting soley or mostly of krill can lead to nutritional deficiencies and lock jaw. </P><P>Looking forward to a pic.</P><P>Have you tried Vitamin B 12 or gut loaded live ghost shrimp?Sat, 05 Jan 2008 06:57:27 GMTPuffer Queenhttp://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxPorcupine. I've had "him" for about 5 years. Fed mysis and defrosted krill.<br>I'll try to post a pic here this weekend.<br>Fri, 04 Jan 2008 08:43:18 GMTshs1451http://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxWhat type of puffer is this? What was it eating before it went on the hunger strike?</P><P>Can you post a pic of the puffer?Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:57:31 GMTPuffer Queenhttp://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxJust an fyi.....my puffer has not eaten for apprx 3 months now (at least not that I can see!)..he is definitely slowing down. He wants to eat, but can't. I have a marine beta in the same tank, so I am still feeding mysis and attempting to at least get a little something into the puffers mouth by way of a small baster....I don't have a lot of hope for it. So sad<img align="absmiddle" src="http://forum.marinedepot.com/Skins/Classic/Images/EmotIcons/Sad.gif" border="0" title="Sad">Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:45:22 GMTshs1451http://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxMight try giving Vitamin B12 in the food or adding to the tank or via bath. It may stimulate the appetite.</P><P>As far as prediction as to how long the puffer can hang on...????</P><P>Please consider necropsy by NCSU - there is a stickied thread in this forum: Lockjaw and Krill. Let me know.Thu, 03 Jan 2008 04:51:17 GMTPuffer Queenhttp://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxOkay,he's still hangng in.....</P><P>We don't know how he could be "surviving" considering that he really hasn't eaten in weeks.</P><P>He does not have a shrunken stomach, just the hunchback. He is somewhat lethargic, doesn't have too much energy. Seems to only hang out on one side of the tank. Don't suppose anyone would if they haven't eaten. We are just wondering when to expect the inevitable? </P><P>P.S. LSU or OSU??????Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:10:18 GMTOhiosaltwaterfishlovershttp://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspx<div class="Quote"><b>Ohiosaltwaterfishlovers (12/20/2007)</b><hr noshade size="1" class="hr">Thanks for your response. We are feeding our porcupine puffer frozen brine shrimp, thawed in water. We have to be cognizant of the thickness of the food, as the thinner the food is the better it fits in the tube. We do feed him while he is awake, and attempt to get the tube beyond his glottis. He does seem to get some, we don't really see any regurgitation. We also haven't seen any feces, though we are not around all the time to watch him. What exactly is the "hunchback"? Before he got sick, it seemed to come and go, but now seems to be a more permanent thing. How long can he last? He hasn't really "eaten" in weeks! Doesn't this puffer eat 3 times a day? We are just baffled, but will continue our efforts...</div></P><P>The hunch is related to nutritional deficiency.</P><P>Puffers really only need to eat once a day to every other day. If the puffer hasn't eaten in a while, the stomach might be shrunken and not hold much - so small more frequent feedings might be necessary. I would recommend blenderized shrimp, scallops and cyclopeeze.Wed, 26 Dec 2007 04:48:20 GMTPuffer Queenhttp://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxThanks for your response. We are feeding our porcupine puffer frozen brine shrimp, thawed in water. We have to be cognizant of the thickness of the food, as the thinner the food is the better it fits in the tube. We do feed him while he is awake, and attempt to get the tube beyond his glottis. He does seem to get some, we don't really see any regurgitation. We also haven't seen any feces, though we are not around all the time to watch him. What exactly is the "hunchback"? Before he got sick, it seemed to come and go, but now seems to be a more permanent thing. How long can he last? He hasn't really "eaten" in weeks! Doesn't this puffer eat 3 times a day? We are just baffled, but will continue our efforts...Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:00:10 GMTOhiosaltwaterfishlovershttp://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxThanks for the update.</P><P>I have not seen or heard of a major turn a round once the fish has gone this long. I'm not saying it will never happen &amp; I too would "give it my all". The hunch in the back is often seen as the disease process progresses. </P><P>If you are tube feeding, I would suggest feeding a highly nutritious food slushie/slurry - blenderized shrimp, squid, silversides, scallops... I usually only use live brine to try to jump start a fish.</P><P>Are you tube feeding the puffer while it is awake? How much are you feeding? Any regurgitating? Have you seen any feces being passed?Wed, 19 Dec 2007 05:20:03 GMTPuffer Queenhttp://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic77948-10-1.aspxHello, we have been attempting to feed our porcupine puffer as we previously talked about. We are using some of my medical equipment that is available to me because I am a nurse.</P><P>We are tube feeding him at least once a day, preferably twice if we can. We have been using mostly brine, treated with vitachem and inserting the tube as far down his throat as we can. It appears that he is getting some and is alive and fairly active. He does seem to have somewhat of a "hunchback" at times, which appears to be a relatively new phenomenon. How can we tell if our efforts have helped? Will he all of a sudden want to eat whatever we put in the tank? We do have him in our hospital tank, which is cycled with a damsel and a clown. We just want to know what to expect? We have absolutely cut out the freeze dried brine, which I am afraid to give to any of our fish anymore!!!</P><P>Can we expect a major turnaround???Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:06:12 GMTOhiosaltwaterfishlovers