Ideas for a F8 Puffer tank.

[powellmacaque]

I have a 15 gallon F8 puffer tank. Had the puffer for almost a year now @ .0005 salinity. I've been trying to get Java fern to take root, but they're very slow to take. Any suggestions on how to improve growth?\

I'd also like to add more life to the tank, it seems rather empty. The Java Fern only grows maybe 3" off of the substrate of egg rocks and pea gravel. The rest of the tank is pretty much lifeless, save the puffer.

I'm also running one of the stock Wal Mart filters with this tank. Any better suggestions for brackish?

Any ways to add interest to my tank? Any cool suggestions or pictures would be much appreciated.

[jbradt]

You could always put a couple bumblebee gobies in there provided the puffer is relatively passive.

[powellmacaque]

Two gobies... Male/Female couple or does it not matteR?

What about more plants/decoration? I'm trying to keep with the SE Asia biome idea.

[Flaring Afro]

Puffers often tear up plants looking for snails. You could give it a try but odds are he'll try to tear them up for a snail, and you HAVE to give them snails (just in case you didn't realize).

Also, for the filter, I'd get something with a bio-wheel. Marineland has some that work well and they aren't much more than normal ones at petsmart.

[powellmacaque]

Well how would I make the tank more interesting without plants?

[Flaring Afro]

Right now my gsp is in with fake plants and some different size stumps he can go in and sleep on. I might put legos in his next tank which opens up large possibilities...

[jbradt]

Two gobies... Male/Female couple or does it not matteR?

What about more plants/decoration? I'm trying to keep with the SE Asia biome idea.
If you only get two, I don't think it really matters the sex ratio. They'll have plenty of space to figure out territories.

When I had my F8, I put black PVC pipes (1.5") in the tank for decorations. They had a little system of tunnels and some spots that were more cave-like. I used plastic plants in that tank, so I can't really help on that end. How long have the plants been in the tank. I would think it would take them a little while to adjust for the SG before they begin to grow well.

[Pufferpunk]

15g is the minimum for a single F8. If you were to add any more fish, I suggest upgrading. Some folks have used Habitrail tubes for them to play in. Many love playing in a bubble wall. Then there's always silk plants or fake coral decor.

[user_name]

15g is the minimum for a single F8. If you were to add any more fish, I suggest upgrading.
I agree!!!
I'm not an expert, but my research into F8's has showen that in a small space with other fish they will get agressive, so I would think about upgrading your tank.