Vermilk’s Depot

Aquarium Faux Paux

My Uncle gave me a 55 gallon tank last year around the Sept/Oct time-frame. He also gave me all the fish that went with it. The tank and stand that it sits on are 40+ years old. This is really a family heirloom. It has passed through several hands over the years and now it has a home in my house. I love the fish and have added a few here and there. My favorite fish include a big orange Cichlid, 2 Jack Dempseys, and 5 Silver Dollars the size of small pancakes. The orange Cichlid rules the tank with an iron fin except when he gets in the way of the monstrous Jack Dempsey. The Cichlid is about 5 inches long and the Dempsey is over 6 inches long. For some time I have been considering buying a freshwater puffer. Last month my cousin asked if I had considered them and I replied that I was afraid it would get eaten. My cousin informed me that the puffer is aggressive and would probably do fine. I talked with the fish salesperson about this situation and he confirmed that the puffer would hold his own. So I purchased one of the little guys and put him in my tank. What a mistake that was. My orange Cichlid immediately ate the puffer! He spit it out almost as quick but continued to attack. Then my Dempseys attacked along with a Pacu. In the meantime the Cichlid is laying on the bottom of the tank under a piece of aquarium wood on his side. Then he ends up on his belly dead! Now my big Dempsey is acting funny. He seems to be having a breathing problem and is resting on the bottom. At times he is up swimming around just fine. My little Dempsey changed colors last night to almost transparent and was resting on the bottom. My Pacu also lost a lot of color and was on the bottom. This morning everyone seems to be doing better; however; the big Dempsey is still acting a little strange.

I can’t believe I did this! I should have visited AquariaCentral.com (where I have an account) and researched a little better.  The puffer is now in the great sewer land.  Yes, I flushed him.  He was hurt where the little Dempsey took out a hunk.  I wish the puffer the best but not in my tank!