Dwarf Puffers

hondaman

Quisiera ser un fish!
Dec 15, 2005
260
0
0
New Jersey
Well in my endeavor to set up my new 55g tank, I stopped at PetsMart. What did I see, Dwarf Puffers. Now i didnt buy them but they did look really nice.

I did notice that there was a sign on the tank that said "Requires Aquarium Salt". Hell to me that would just mean to put in the recommended dose every week at water change. But don't these little guys belong in a brackish tank?
 
I have heard it said that DPs should have brackish, but never complete salt. I think they would be fine in freswater. Thats what I will do when I get my three in my ten gallon.
 
NO!! no no no!! Dwarf Puffers are ENTIRELY freshwater fish. They do not require salt of any kind, AT any time. Besides, if they were brackish, I don't believe aquarium salt is the apropriate salt, but rather marine salt.

This is the only type of puffer that is completely freshwater, for their lifetime.
 
Yes - very good. I read that exact article before purchasing my dwarf puffers. If you plan to purchase puffs, keep reading, and if you buy from that store you saw them at, acclimate them carefully and slowly to freshwater since they are obviously being kept in aquarium salt. Good luck!
 
SftWrmRain said:
This is the only type of puffer that is completely freshwater, for their lifetime.

Not true; there are several species of puffer fish that remain in FW their entire lives; my favorite being: Carinotetradon irrubesco, common name "red eye-red tail puffer"

Check out this link: http://www.pufferlist.com/freshindex.htm
 
Dwarf Puffers are freshwater. Shows how much pet stores know.
 
Dwarf Puffers are freshwater. Shows how much pet stores know.

Exactly, since my pet store sold me one to go in my BETTA tank! I am still learning about this hobby and didn't realize that that set up would so not work until I went home and looked up puffers (I know should have done that before). I just asked if those cute little fish would be ok with my betta and the girl said, "sure if you have lots of plants". Live and learn. Good luck with your puffers, make sure to do your own research on them. :)
 
I do believe that if you look petsmart recommends aquarium salt for all fish that they sell. The old tonic levels of 1 Tbsp per 10 gallons. This is not advisable for freshwater fish unless they are sick or are being acclimated. Long term exposure to salt actually harms them.
 
AquariaCentral.com