Jark

Today i saw some what i think are green spotted puffers at walmart. they were very crowded and had been eating each others fins. Some appears to have ICH or some type of white flecks.

I have a recently fishless cycled an empty 37g that I was considering filling with guppies. But have always wanted a solo puffer.

I am considering rescuing the poor puffer instead. My concern is that the possible the risk of bringing a walmart fish into the same house as my other tanks, even with it being kept in an isolated tank.

Is it possible if I get a spot free puffer to rescue it or would it be too much of a threat to the other tanks if any syphons of buckets are shared between tanks?

I also don't have any tanks dirty enough to keep snails. My corys and rubber pleco keep things spotless.

My other tanks are a aussi and blue rainbow 55g with the pleco, and a betta/cory 10g.

Should I attempt the rescue? or should I go with the guppies and shed tears for the puffers

what would be some alternate teeth maintenance foods until snails can be grown up?

MissMTS

I would rescue the puffer if you can, put research its needs first. Green Spotted Puffers need highly brackish water, so make sure you are willing to slowly acclimate them to brackish (I am betting that Walmart is keeping them in Freshwater). You wouldn't have to worry about them getting your other fish sick, just make sure you sterilize your nets and other utensils between uses, or get separate ones for each tank. I would also have some parasite medication to treat it with since puffers generally come with internal parasites. I think Pink should be around in a little bit, and she could probably recommend a good medication Here is a link to a good article about GSP's:

http://www.fishlore.com/aquariummaga...ttedpuffer.htm

aquarist48

Best of luck and let us know what you decide. To rescue a puffer from an over crowed tank would be great. Before I purchased it I would make sure it is free of ICH first.
Again, good luck and keep us posted.
Ken

harpua2002

I believe GSPs need full marine conditions as adults, although they need brackish water as juveniles. If you're willing to take on the challenge, then go for it, but I would not advise sharing nets, siphons, etc. between tanks. You can cross contaminate that way. Keep in mind the added cost of buying marine salt mix, hydrometer or refractometer (to check salinity), bucket and powerhead. You cannot add marine salt directly to the tank if you have a fish in there; you will need to premix your salt water in the bucket with a powerhead for water changes for about 24 hours. You'll also need to top off with FW for evaporation, because salt does not evaporate and the salinity will rise without top offs. I'm not trying to talk you out of it, just want you to be prepared.

Jark

I have decided against getting the walmart puffer. It breaks my heart every time I see them right now. I just can't risk my other fish getting Ich or getting all the salt and snails just to have the poor Puffer pass despite my rescue attempts. THe puffers are just blanketed in spots that have merged into patches. I went to walmart today and asked how often they get new ones and they said every Wednesday and they are all gone within a week. I don't think they are sold either. I left with a sick feeling.

I may reconsider if I can find a good source of snails or an effective alternative.

aquarist48

Good morning Jark. I'm sure it was a difficult decision for you but in my opinion you made the correct one.
Ken

pinkfloydpuffer

If you can afford all of the other puffer's needs, buying clams, and scraping all the meat off except for a thin layer, then feeding the puffers, will allow them to scrape their teeth on the shell. Then you can use the shell as a kind of serving tray and put their food on it so their teeth are rubbing on it every time.

Jark

So I would need the salt, another bucket, hydrometer, siphons, and food. I have extra 1-5g tanks that I could grow up some snails in once I find some. Are there any salt mixes that don't need a power head to mix? I am in an apartment now and I don't think my gf wants a 20g bucket of water at her place if i move in the next year or so.

I have poured this weekend into puffer research. I don't want it to go to waist now. I think petsmart may have some dwarfs some time.

jgon_

I do my water changes with my 5 gallon bucket. I add the salt to the bucket, mix and let it dissolve. I let it sit for 30-60min with occasional mixing (I have a very low brackish tank so it doesn't take long).

Kitsune

dwarf puffer would be much easier to care for as they are full freshwater fish thus no salt water