Fresh Water Puffers and Ich?

[tina813]

I have a 50 gallon fresh tank (a little salt added) and 2 out of the 6 puffers have developed white bubble stuff around their eyes and on their skin. It looks like tiny salt. Could this be ich and can I use the store bought ich medicine on them? I know they are delicate fish.. I just did a water change on them (25%) and maybe that will help. Can anyone help me? Thank you!

Tina from Tampa

 

[puffergirl]

Cute little puffs, sad that they are not feeling well. Looks like Ick to me from the pics I would try to raise your temp. a little and add some salt to see if that helps at all. I wouldn't suggest the chemicals for treating Ich right away as puffers are very sensitive as they are scaless.

Hopefully this helps and someone else might have more suggestions.
I have not yet "knock on wood" had to deal with Ich yet on any of my fish.

 

[savga]

I have used Kordon Rid Ich+ on my dwarf puffers and they tolerated it very well. I did lose one but it was probably because I waited so long to start treatment. I was worried about using meds also. I followed the label directions and used it full strength. Good luck to you.

 

[Pufferpunk]

See: http://puffer.proboards2.com/index.cgi?board=hospital&action=display&num=1086103674

Also go to the BW section of that forum & read up on GSPs.

 

[riftlake_kid]

dont use any copper based meds. they can kill puffers.

 

[Pufferpunk]

Puffers are sensitive to most meds. Salt, heat & large water changes, has always worked for me.

 

[icon149]

I've used 1/2 doses of Nox Ich with success saved a puffer i though had no chance of making it, between ammonia burns and Ich. but with some frequent water changes and nox ich he pulled through. (I picked a puffer as a first fish in a 5 1/2 gallon uncycled fish tank) Yeah i still don't know how he ever made it. i have since learned much!

First think i would do is lots of water changes. fix the problem that stressed the fish.