Small Puffer Fish in LFS

[Chris the Fish]

Im a bit of a newbie at the mo in the middle of researching my first tank (75x45x30 - 22ukGal/110l), and was pondering bits and peices in the LFS when i came accross a small puffer fish. I thought they were marine, however these were in freshwater (its a freshwater only LFS) and about 1.5" long.

what are they? and would theybe suitable and if so, how many for a 110l tank?

Ill come clean, i was going to set up a marine tank but the startup costs were far higher, so i thought id start off with a tropical as i already have most of the gear. These little things may just be a bit of a comprimise! I dont mind a single species tank, although i would like some freshwater shrimp and snails, along with plants etc.

Thanks in advance for any help and advice

Chris

[Dan06]

It's probably a Dwarf Puffer, which are true freshwater puffers, but without pics..it could be just about any young Brackish/Marine puffer. They are so commonly mislabeled that they often end up in freshwater.

110l is about 29 gallons......right? If so, if you heavily plant the tank, you could keep 2 Dwarf Puffers, maybe more. Temperment varies, some people can only keep 1 others can somehow keep 3+ in a 29g. I would have another tank on hand or make sure it's okay to return some to the store (not that it's likely any better than keeping them in a hostile tank), but make sure you have avenues to find the other dwarf puffers a proper home if they shouldn't be compatible in your tank.

Snails will be dinner, shrimp will be dinner regardless of size, if it doesn't happen right away it'll happen at some point.

[Chris the Fish]

110l is about 29 gallons......right? If so

US Gallons yes.

i think its about 22 uk gallons.

are they ok to keep? anything i need to look out for?

[Squawkbert]

Read up on these before buying!

They will not generally tolerate any other fish or inverts being in the tank (with enough other stuff in the tank, you *may* be able to keep a few together), they're messy eaters w/ special dietary requirements.

They are also supposed to be very personable & fun to watch.

[DrNo]

These are great fish to own when cared for properly. They really need a species only tank, as they do not mix well with other speciees. Even those who get along initially in community tanks have been known to 'snap' one day and beat down tankmates. Do not believe those who claim to have had 'no problems'. Unexplained fin nipping etc. in these tanks are easily attributed to aggression by the puffers that is unseen (nightime, etc.). More than one dwarf can be kept in the same tank if provided with each is provided with plenty of territory to protect (i.e. a large tank). They do have great personality.

[gmh]

must read website if you are seriously considering DPs: www.dwarfpuffers.com

[Turtleaddict]

If they are drawf Puffer you will be able to keep up to 6 some will even say 8 in a 29 gallon tank with a few ottos and shrimp.They are agressive but you just need plant cover and a few hiding spots and you can keep 1 puffer for every 4-5 gallons of water. Another way to keep more puffers is to have 1 male for every 3-4 females. The web site listed above has a few other fish that work well with puffers. I have a 29 gallon planted puffer tank and its my favorite tank.

[DiezelEinstein]

i want puffers!! they look killer...i saw an mbu puffer it was almost 2 feet i believe and mbu's get bigger than that i think...soooo coool but xpensive...good luck with your endeavor..

[Chris the Fish]

cheers for the feedback, these puffer fish are really becomming a major part of my research.

I plan to have a puffer tank with a few ottos which raises a few more questions...

When i cycle my new tank, would it be better to get the ottos to help a 'fishycycle'?

also i have a 3 tier canister filter, with small hulahoop shaped plastic cylinders in, and the top 2 are empty - do i use filter wool in these, if so how much?

Im so close to filling it up now, all i need is a lighting rig and im ready!! :)

[jm1212]

you should do a fishless cycle.

what do you have in the filter already?

[jaylin]

When i cycle my new tank, would it be better to get the ottos to help a 'fishycycle'?


I would highly recommend against that! Otos can be pretty fragile when you first bring them home from the lfs. You really don't need to add to their challenges.

I wouldn't recommend getting the otos until the tank is well establish and even a bit grown over with algae. I would also highly recommend visiting planetcatfish and reading up on otos before owning any of them.

[Chris the Fish]

you should do a fishless cycle.

what do you have in the filter already?

just the hoola hoops (for want a more technical name!), and ive a box and a bag of white filter wool (this all came with the tank etc as i brought it 2nd hand).

ive heard of people using charcole, hard sponge type pads amongst other things so im not 100% on what to fill the top two layers with.

ill have a look at the post regarding fishless cycling just to refresh my memory. I wont get any fish until im full established and have the correct readings.

cheers again

chris