Beginner Seeking Advice And Opinions

[lisa2701]

Hi all,

about 6 months ago I was looking at setting up a tropical tank but one thing after the other happened and it just wasn't the right time. SO, I am now back again looking to do some research and i am looking for your opinions.

I only have a 5 gallon tank, yes, I know... tiny, but unfortunately I bought the tank for housing triops and so they didn't require a big tank, now that I have bought it my husband is reluctant for me to spend more money on a tank, we also don't have much space for a bigger tank so I will need to work with what I have for now. The plants currently in my tank are Elodea, Cabomba and 2 large moss balls. It has a built in light and filter. its a moby dick 25 tank in case that helps... I can provide pictures. I will get more plants, caves etc if needed.

The tank is currently in use with triops, but my plan is once they run their course I am going to set it up for fish. I saw and fell in love with the male Endler, their colours are just amazing and I believe I could have 4 or 5 of them in my tank? So up until recently that was my plan...

THEN... I discovered the dwarf puffer fish. Which I believe can live in a 5 gallon tank happily? They sound like real fabulous little characters and I am now wondering if this would be a good option for me?

I am willing to do any research, I will have time to learn as I will need to cycle the tank and will do this fishless which I believe takes a couple of weeks...

I also love pleco's, but I understand my tank isn't big enough for one SO, do I got a small number of gorgeously coloured endlers, or the cheeky personality of the dwarf puffer? Thoughts?

 

[Electric Warrior]

I think that you could do it, 5g is really the minimum tank size for one though. I would think about getting a 10g somewhere down the road because they are pretty messy, even for their size, and you have to keep the water pristine; smaller tank = more difficulty in keeping the water quality high. You will also need to be going through a fair amount of snails for feeding, and it may be possible that you will have to trim the fish's beak every year or so. I knew someone that had one before, and his was a fussy eater, and even with feeding it snails regularly, he still needed to trim its beak every year or so. 5G isn't to bad for doing water changes, but realise that you will be doing major water changes a lot... Maybe someone on here who has one can give you some more input.

 

[Electric Warrior]

Here is a really good article in PFK btw.
Dwarf Puffers

 

[lisa2701]

Thanks, I've actually already seen that web site. Been reading as much as I can. I hear what your saying about my tank size though, and I am hoping if I can show my hubby that its nice to have fish then he'll soften to the idea of a bigger tank, assuming I can work out somewhere to have it. I have plenty of time to be doing water changes etc so thats not a problem. The beak trimming makes me nervous I have to admit, as does the live food, but only because I still haven't looked into how available it is in my local stores. OnceI know I can get it readily, and learn how to store it I will be ok.

So do you think the dwarf puffer is the best option? Any specific reason you picked a puffer over the endlers? Sorry just curious more than anything.

 

[Electric Warrior]

I just think that they are really interesting. Def a bit more work than a lot of standard tropicals, but my friend really loved his and he had it for years. It would watch you when you come into the room, and take food from his hand and everything. I have also been thinking about setting up a small dwarf puffer tank in the future, after I get this 200L Amazon tank I am cycling right now established.

I don't really know much at all on the livebearer front, sorry.

 

[lisa2701]

Yeah I do think they sounds very interesting and it sounds like they become proper little pets, but I am just a tiny bit worried as a lot of people say they are hard to care for? Where as the endlers are meant to be easier to care for, so maybe I should start out walking before I try to run? I just don't know.

Anyone have a kind of pro's and Con's of endlers vs Dwarf puffer?