Looking at a Fahaka...Info Please.

[Firsttanks]

I am looking to purchase a 4" Fahaka Puffer from my lfs that looks to be in good condition.

1. What I was wondering was how long would a 36"x12"x16"
tank work as a grow out tank?

2. What type of "Decor" would keep him most comfortable? I was thinking of a fine sand substrata with plants on either end of the tank and possibly a rock/wood cave in the centre, with plenty of free swimming space...does this sound Ok?

I have been reading anything I could find on the Net regarding these bad boys (fishes on crack...hehehe) and this site seems to have the best (and most) personal experience with Puffers of all types. Any help or suggestions you could provide would be appreciated.

Thanks
Don

[Pufferpunk]

That is a tank of about 30gal. I have a 9" fahaka (Filbert) that is presently in a 55gal & outgrowing it fast. I bought him about a year ago, he was 1". I'd say yours might last a couple of months in that tank. I'm saving up for a 90gal. Filbert did like his cave when he was little. His tank is 1/2 sand, but he never burrowed in it. I think they just do that whan they're smaller.

You can see him on my webpage: http://arctic.photoisland.com/servlet/com.arcsoft.LoginNew?com=arcsoftBanner&awp=index3.html&DIRECT=show

ID: Pufferpunk
Password: puffer

[Firsttanks]

Thks Pufferpunk.

I'm hoping that this tank would last 6 mths or so, but we'll have to see.
I think if I bring home 1 more tank this month the wife will have me living in it in the back yard :D :p :)

[ChilDawg]

Get one big enough for the Fahaka, and you will be much happier living in it! J/K...I hope that it works out for you!

[Pufferpunk]

I really think a 4" fahaka will outgow that tank way sooner than 6 months. Fahakas are the fastest growing fish I've ever seen. I could swear somedays, after a good feeding, he grew an inch! I've been thinking about it & I think I bought Filbert less than a year ago. I moved him into the 55g from a 45g about 3 months ago.

[andruboz]

if your 55 is standard size, 48x13, be prepared to get filbert a new crib soon. 48x18 or 36x24 or bigger. mine is kinda mopy in his 55 but the 125 is cycling. will be ready soon.

[Pufferpunk]

Yeah, I'm sellimg all my gold to buy a 90g. I've got $400 so far.

[Firsttanks]

Humpf....well I geuss It's time to wine & dine the wife, I'm getting a little low on suckup points :D

Thanks all.