questions questions questions
i got two pea puffers not too long ago and of course treated them for parasites when i brought them home. one of them was definitely healthier and has been thriving but one unfortunately passed not super long after i got them (im pretty sure from a parasite since it wasnt really moving or eating and was super skinny). i wanted to go back to the shop a lot sooner but unfortunately life gets in the way so i had to wait but i did wind up getting another and i know pea puffers shouldnt be kept in twos but they are doing very well together and there was only a little bit of aggression when they first saw each other but now they are doing perfectly fine. i have a heavily planted tank as well to break lines of site as well as to provide lots of hiding spaces. i know they are young but i was wondering if anyone can tell me if they are male or female? this is bobby mcgee (slide 1) and janis joplin (slide 2). janis is very skinny right now since i got her/him very recently (bobby was too when i first got him i dont think they were fed well at the store:/) but he/she is showing interest in food and eating i did treat for parasites. i work at a different pet store and im able to get a lot of bladder snails but jeez these guys clean em up fast. they wont touch the thawed frozen brine shrimp. any tips on how to get them eating other foods? ive started trying to introduce tong feeding so they associate them with food so i can try feeding them that way. i appreciate any help!
edit: forgot to add- i strictly use poland spring water for my tank (not purified) and i have lots of driftwood and im always adding mopani leaves and cones etc but when i test ny water it still comes up hard. i use a water conditioner on the new water when i do any changes. i know pea puffers like soft water and bobby mcgee has veen thriving so im definitely confused about that as well.