View Full Version : Dwarf Puffers-Can I Have Just One
bkgodfrey
08-10-2007, 2:32 AM
I was watching these little guys at Petsmart and decided I have to have one. I've been reading about them a bit and it says I can keep two or three together, keeping in mind to allow 2 to 3 gallons for each puffer. Is this true and also is it ok to keep just one in a 2 or 3 gallon hex tank?
GV7486
08-10-2007, 3:45 AM
Well, according to liveaquaria the minimum tank size for these puffers is a 30 gallon.
If you ever plan on housing more than one in a tank the ratio should be 1 male for every 2 females. Keep in mind that males are very territorial and only one per tank should be kept unless you are to house them in a large aquarium.
I suppose you could attempt to keep one in a 10 gallon but I still think that would be kind of cruel.
The ideal aquarium for 1 puffer would be a 30 gallon planted aquarium with some areas to hide in...and this could probably house 3 of them.
=)
jessicar613
08-10-2007, 3:58 AM
Wow, a 30 gallon?? This is a tiny fish and has some compatibility issues.... most likely you'll have the dps in the tank and maybe some otos. A ten should be fine for a couple of dps.
Should add, I had some of these cute puffers for a while in a ten gallon. Even in a tank that small they were absolutely lost in it. That's sort of... why I got rid of them. :o Hey they have a huge fan base though, go for it!
ChunkyMonkey
08-10-2007, 4:04 AM
I just bought my some new cichlids there today 6 of them and 7 ghost shrimp for 15 bucks, not too bad...My gripe was their tank recommendations too. They say Clown Loachs only require a 10 gallon minimum tank and only get 7" long max. They had Balas listed as a 30 min at 10" max.
jessicar613
08-10-2007, 4:08 AM
Well there I go not reading the OP.... :( I don't think I'd keep a dp in anything smaller than a five. I've seen them recommended for smaller tanks but mine really traveled. They're curious little guys and really owner responsive.
bkgodfrey
08-10-2007, 10:03 AM
Jessicar, so how many dp's did you have in that 5 gallon?
jessicar613
08-10-2007, 11:29 AM
I had two dps in a 10.
One in a 10 gal is fine. Make sure there are plants, real or fake, and hiding spots.
dixienut
08-10-2007, 12:58 PM
you can have 3 in a ten gallon IF they get along.. 3 gallons of water not tank size per fish.. this is for their biolaod conditions very good filter large one.. fair current, to keep from having dead zones.. the rest is a matter of temperment, for the rest..
yes you can have one in a 5 gallon.. but provide a lot of plants and snails to keep them from getting stircrazy, these are very inteligent and love to hunt,.. if no mental stimulation they just pace up and down the glass.. with lots of snails and plants they will hunt all over for them even if they don't want to eat they love playing I SEE YOU...:evil_lol:
jm1212
08-10-2007, 6:14 PM
5 gallons is a minimum for DPs. in tanks that are more than ten gallons (rectangular ones) 1 DP for every 3 gallons is a good ratio.
dwarfpuffers.com
great information source with the answers to nearly all the questions you'll have on these cool little fish.
I had two in a 10 gallon but one died. Right now I have 1 DP, 3 Ottos, and some Ghost Shrimp in a heavily planted 10 gallon and they're all doing GREAT.
They can be aggressive towards each other, so be wary of that if you get more then 1.