So my quest in fw puffer keeping has brought me over to a slightly saltier side as im curious of the figure 8 puffer! From what i read its a somewhat docile fish (still best in single species tank) that gets about 3". A salinity of about 1.005 (added an extra 0?) Best on a diet of meaty shrimp, and snails etc (most puffers diet..as usual) ... however...i know this tank isnt ideal but will it do? It is a 20 gallon tall tank...so not sure if it wouldn't be suitable due to the lack of longer dimensions however it is quite the larger mid water space.... Let me know what you think and or any more info!
ps: its truly a beautifully colored puffer!
Congrats on the F8!I also own one as you can see in my Display pic. 20gallons is the recommended tank size for one of these guys but the bigger the better. A friend of mine actually had a freak F8 that grew to 5" ( I swear it was isnt a Ceylon, which I have had in the past). For puffers they like longer tanks for swimming space instead of higher ones or you'll see them pacing up and down the wall all the time. 1.005 is correct and they rather enjoy a PH of 7.8-8.2, aragonite or crushed coral should handle this as they keep a contant buffering PH. As for decor, the more complicated the more happy your puffer is as they are highly intelligent and carious. My F8 watches me watching him, which gets fustrating when I try getting a flank shot of him but all I get is a shot of his face and big pair of eyes. F8s also enjoy having a a bit of current to swim against, I personally use a korilla power head as it looks more clean and professional in the tank. Having moon lights also makes your puffer's colours more vibrant, you can also add some brackish plants to help maintain the nitrate and nitrite which these puffers are sensitive to, such as Java fern, java moss and moss balls. Adding a small DIY puffer chew toy isnt a bad idea either as this helps file their ever growing beak, I simply use a small clam shell or peice of white coral. pretty funny to see him carry them around while swimming. If you have any other questions feel free to ask, I can also cover puffer deseases if needed.
