Sick Puffer

[randyrags]

I have a dogface puffer thet is acting weird. He has been very lathargic and at times scratching against sand/rocks. His fins seem cloudy and in this video he just ate and looks like he has trouble breathing right after he eats. I feed him Krill and Silversides soaked in Zoecon and Garlic. The tank is fish only, I am due for a water change this weekend. The salt is at 1.024, Ammonia-0, PH-8.1, Nitrite-0.25, Nitrate-160. I am having issues getting my protein skimmer working so will try getting it working agian this weekend. Thanks
http://youtu.be/dei1H4T9i9s

 

[beth]

You have poor water quality with nitrites and nitrates off the chart. The fins on the puffer also look ragged. Do you feed this fish hard shelled foods to keep his teeth filed down?

 

[randyrags]

Beth,
Thanks, water changes and getting the protein skimmer working has really helped. As far as the hard shelled food what would you recommend. One LFS told me to buy oysters in the half shell from grocery store(didn't try yet) The other LFS sold me a crayfish which my trigger enjoyed. I did put small crabs in and turbo snails but he does not seem interested. What do you recommend?

 

[beth]

The oysters from the store may be a bit big. You don't want your puffer eating your tubos. LOL Try to get some raw crab legs and other shelled seafood that you can find at the grocery store. Food process it, with the shell, to a size that is appropriate for your puffer. Then, offer up.