Freshwater Small Puffers

[andywg]

They aren't an effluent plant, a single DP is not going to give out a huge amount of waste, no more than a betta is likely to, and we don't say no bettas in a 6 gallon, do we?

That's because in the wild bettas live in small, confined spaces.

That wasn't the reason for not putting the DP in a small tank. The reason was the problem keeping the water clean. I say this will not be a problem in a tank around 6 gallons for one reason, I have done it for over a year now.

But let's not let experience of keeping a fish get in the way of giving advice on here, eh?

 

[fishboy619]

firstly, bettas dont come from small confinded spaces in the wild, the bettas we buy are mostly tank bred, and even in the wild, the waters they come from are shallow, but range for miles. they are no way by means small, plus all the plants and natural weak movement of the water makes the water quality good, and the sun and warm air makes the water temperature at a stable temperature.
i keep my puffer in a 5 gallob by him self and he is fine, the water quality is easy to keep stable by weekly water changes and regular maintance. as long as the tanks fully cycled, it will be fine, keeping on top of the tank, and checking it regular will be fine, my 5 gallon DP tank has a layer of sand, mostly fake plants, and a few live mosses. a cave and filter in the corner,and a heater in the other. the puffer has plenty of space to move around and acts healthy and active.
6 gallons is even better as its 1 gallon bigger. 3 gallons however is too small.

 

[timmystood]

OK well, keep 1 dwarf puffer in a 6 gallon. In my view I wouldn't do it but let me know how it turns out.

 

[Lynden]

Agreed. 6 gallons is more than enough for a Dwarf Puffer.

Secondly, I cannot see how the idea that bettas live in cramped spaces in the wild got into anybody's head.... I suppose even the most 'advanced' fishkeepers are not immune to the bull that fish dealers say in order to save money and sell their fish.

Sigh...