Mbu Puffer/bactinettes

[clareanded]

Hi everyone,

We have just purchased an MBU pufferfish, we are well aware of the requirements of this fish but was hoping that you guys would have opinions on the following issues:

- We have been cycling our 200 litre freshwater tank for 1 week now, by the time we collect the puffer it will have been cycling for 3 weeks. Initially we knew that we would have to wait for the tank to cycle for at least 2 months before we could introduce a pufferfish however, the guy at the pet store (who I have to say seemed to really care about the MBU and was very informative - a refreshing change!) told us that we could introduce a bacteria into our tank called Bactinettes. He is suggesting that we collect the MBU and the bactinettes, put them both in the tank at the same time and that the fish will be ok. Do you guys think that this is correct? I haven't heard of this bactinettes stuff before, although I understand how it works, I wanted to know IF it works.

- I am aware that we will need to change around 20% of the water per week. Could someone talk me through this process and how to do this effectively?

- Does anyone have any tips on how to tame a puffer?

Sorry for all the questions, thanks in advance for your help!

 

[rob newland]

Taming a puffer?
You mean like letting it eat out of your hand and stuff?
If so - I wouldn't unless you don't value your fingers much.
You know how big the tank for it will need to be right?

And I have never heard of bactinettes lol.
Rob

 

[clareanded]

Taming a puffer?
You mean like letting it eat out of your hand and stuff?
If so - I wouldn't unless you don't value your fingers much.
You know how big the tank for it will need to be right?

And I have never heard of bactinettes lol.
Rob

Thanks Rob, I have heard that puffers can become very tame but do value my fingers so thought I would see if anyone else had managed it before I tried!!!

We know that we are going to have to purchase a huge tank when this little baby grows up (within about 18 months!).

Thanks again

 

[cane76]

although bactinettes are supposed to be good i would not risk it with a mbu
use the bactinettes with some cheap hardy fish just in case
then wait a good few months for the filters to mature before getting a mbu

 

[seffieuk]

Not sure where you are but you could check out the pinned topic on people willing to donate mature filter media to newbies - that will help cycle your tank.

Mbu - is that a wise choice of puffer for someone new to the hobby? (sounds rude, but not meant to be, just genuine concern)

 

[DiscusAngel]

These Fish grow to 28" and need a tank of about 10x3.5x3.5.

 

[clareanded]

These Fish grow to 28" and need a tank of about 10x3.5x3.5.

Please see my comments above, I am well aware that these puffers need an extremely large tank!