issues with puffers

[coolens06]

i have 2 dragon puffers and 3 target puffers in a 20g L divided tank (dragons on one side, targets on the other)

the salt levels are at 1.013

they are all at the bottom, losing color, and probably dying.


earlier, the salt was at like 1.018 and the nitrates were very high. i did a water change and got the salt down but haven't tested the nitrates since.
any ideas of what to do?

 

[flamingonhot]

First of all, things are changing WAY too drastically. Salinity levels shouldn't be dropped (or raised) that fast in a short period of time. Also, both species you have are freshwater species, not brackish.

Two things, get a bigger tank or two individual tanks, and the other thing is of course make it freshwater.

 

[Devilishturtles]

I agree with flamingonhot. You have freshwater puffer species that will get quite large. Start lowering the salinity SLOWLY as soon as possible. This is likely your problem.

Again, salinity levels should not change that much either. That will stress your fish for sure.

Welcome to AA, by the way.