Last weekend I bought a 55 gallon tank for my Fahaka puffer. He was only 2” long but I wanted him to be comfortable until he was big enough to go into his own 125 gallon indoor pond.
I took days making sure everything was perfect, the water was cycled, the plants in place, and the perimeters ideal.
When the water was the exact temp of his original tank, I let him in his new beautiful home. But I made the most horrible mistake. When I tore the pump apart to thoroughly clean it, I hung it on the back of the tank and got it going. I have severe adhd and ocd not to mention ptsd and a panic disorder. This little baby was my life. He’d greet me at the front of his tank every morning and we had such a cute routine. I had just trained him to eat from my fingers.
I accidentally forgot to put the little plastic filter piece that prevents larger things from being sucked up into the filter/pump. I watched him swim around his new home and he looked so happy.
When I went back to check on him an hour later I couldn’t find him. That’s when I noticed I’d forgotten the piece on the filter. I literally screamed NOoo and unplugged it immediately. Of course he had been sucked up into the tube.😭. I carefully nudged him out and he was still alive but his tummy was misshapen so I knew I’d probably injured him badly. I instantly did a 40% water change and added marine salt. I also went on Amazon and ordered Melafix to be shipped overnight.
This morning my baby was gone. I’m beyond heartbroken. I can’t stop crying. My husband is annoyed with me because it was just a “damn fish.”😭. He won’t even try to understand. I’m sorry to bother y’all with this long post but I thought maybe someone here could relate somewhat. It’s such an amazing group and I’ve learned so much. How could I do that??? It was so irresponsible and cruel and horrible. I’ll never forgive myself. RIP, sweet Hank. I loved you so much😭💔 (The video is from when I first got him. I did a complete tank makeover with sand and tons of live plants. He was also more colorful and much bigger when I killed him😭).
Posted by Gnome_Acres
16 Comments
Ooof sorry to hear. That sucks and I understand I lost a very expensive turtle this way and it hurt so bad it led to me getting out of turtle keeping and large aquariums all together. Got his head sucked up the tube and drowned.
Hi! Please forgive yourself, mistakes happen. 🤗 I’m sorry about Hank.
We had a tank crash two nights ago and lost our three sweet amazing puffers. I’m also devastated 🙁 it’s hard to lose a fish in any case but puffers are so smart and full of personality, it hurts more than usual. Fishkeeping can be so full of sorrow
Your husband is a jerk. You’re supposed to love your animals! I’m so sorry for your loss and hope you can forgive yourself. It sounds like Hank got to enjoy some happy times before he passed, and could’ve ended up in a much worse home if you hadn’t scooped him up. Try to take solace in that.
This hobby can be brutal. I’m sorry for your loss and ordeal.
I’m so sorry. I lost three khulis in one day and I sobbed for a week. Still not ready to put new fish in the tank.
Sebring love.
Mistakes happen sometimes fatal ones. You didn’t mean to do it and you tried to remedy the best you can. I had a filter mistake that led me to lose my my most cherished platy, I still remember her and it makes me sad but it now reminds me more than ever to always just check when walking by. Give yourself some time, loss in the aquarium hobby is tough and a lot of people just see some fish in a tank with no meaning.
OP I’m so sorry 🙁 Your husband is being rude too. They’re not just fish!! They are our pets that we signed up to love and care for ❤️ Just because they’re not out and about like dogs and cats, it doesn’t mean they don’t have a connection with us & that we don’t love them less.
This is just a terrible situation & accident. I know for your next little buddy you won’t make the same mistake and everything will be okay ❤️ It may take some time and that’s okay too.
I’m sorry that happened to you. I have a list on the door of my fishroom what to check before I leave after a water change, otherwise I forget because I’m extremely dumb.
Oh noooo!😭. I feel your pain so much! I can’t imagine losing three. They are such a special fish. My heart is with you. Thank you so much for reaching out. RIP, to your three. I hope there’s a huge fish paradise where they met up with Hank and they’re all happily munching on snails and chasing shrimp ❤️❤️❤️
Sorry to hear, It can be tough. don’t beat yourself up. You’ll have another puffer friend who you can give a great life to. Chin up!
Im so sorry
I’m blown away by the sincere kindness of this group. Just taking the time to read my post let alone comment your sympathies mean more than you’ll ever know. I am planning on adopting another puffer soon. They will never replace Hank but I can’t keep looking at this empty aquarium. May your perimeters always be perfect and your fish friends live long and happy lives!❤️🐠❤️
Mistakes like this are so common in the hobby. We try our best, and sometimes we forget. The fact that you care so much means you’re not a shitty person. I didn’t quarantine any fish and plants I kept at the start of keeping fish and I introduced hydra, planaria, and leeches within the first two months. All my fish shrimp and snails slowly died of disease or pests. I don’t have that problem anymore because I learned from it. And so will you. Try again when you’re ready
Poor hank i would never forgive you lol jk
I’m so sorry this happened to you and Hank 😢❤️🩹 you sound like an amazing puffer mom and there’s so many smart and intelligent puffers that need big beautiful homes like you provided for Hank. Sending you all the strength and comfort and love your way . Go save another puffer girl and name him frank lol 😆 hope u feel better 😘