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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 5/4/2007 7:40:04 AM
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I've had a porcupine puffer for a few months now, and she's been great. (I call her a girl, but who knows)  Bubbles- her name- eats well -very well- and has a great personality. The last 3-4 days, I've noticed this white stuff on her.... Thinking it was ich, I've been treating with Ruby Reef. This morning, I looked at her and there's this cloudy white filmy almost powdery looking stuff on her that if she makes a quick move comes off. (like a powder). It really is unattractive. I've tried to take pictures, but they do no justice to what I can see. One of her eyes is also pretty cloudy. She doesn't seem lethargic, and she ate fine last night. Does this sound like anything familiar? Is there anything I can buy to help save her? 
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Group: Moderators
Last Login: 9/22/2008 7:42:40 AM
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| Welcome to the MarineDepot.com forums. Can you tell us more about your puffer? 1. What are the water parameters - specifics. 2. What size tank is the puffer in? 3. What tank mates? Any new additions? 4. Do you quarantine? 5. What substrate? 6. Are there spots or a dusting? Does the film disappear and reappear? 7. How is the puffer breathing - fasters, gasping? Again, welcome.
Kelly
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 5/4/2007 7:40:04 AM
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| Hi Kelly, thanks for the reply, 1. What are the water parameters - specifics. - Im not positive as I'm at work right now, but the last time we tested - about a week ago- they were pretty good... I can get exacts tonight. 2. What size tank is the puffer in? - 55G 3. What tank mates? Any new additions? -Just a yellow tail damsel and a Jewel Damsel. (was hoping for those guys to be food since they were bullies in my other tank.) 4. Do you quarantine?. - I haven't taken her out as the worst Ive seen it is this morning. 5. What substrate? - I have the CaribSea Seaflor Special Grade Reef Sand. 6. Are there spots or a dusting? Does the film disappear and reappear? - At first the whiteness looked like Ich, so thats what i treated for, but this morning, it was kind of dusting off of her. 7. How is the puffer breathing - fasters, gasping? - she didn't seem to be breathing irregular, but her stomach looked a SLIGHT bloated. (not at a 'puff' just a little fuller)
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Group: Moderators
Last Login: 9/22/2008 7:42:40 AM
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| One always has to consider the substrate when trying to decide if the fish has substrate or parasites on it. Puffers are known to lie on the bottom and often have some sand attached briefly. From what you are describing does not sound like ich but more of the external parasite - amyloodinum ocellatum - aka velvet. The only effective treatment is copper. I would start Seachem Cupramine in a bare bottom tank with no porous materials (rock, etc). Increase aeration and keep temperature on the lower end (72-75) to help with oxygenation. The bloating or swelling is worrisome - could be internal infection/parasites which is a secondary problem due to stress and impaired immune system. Internal parasites/protozoans can be problematic when a fish is stressed.
Kelly
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 5/4/2007 7:40:04 AM
Posts: 3,
Visits: 14
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