New Soon To Be Puffer Tank!

[McCool]

Just finished setting up my new 55 gallon today! After it finishes cycling, I plan on tracking down some South American Puffers! What do yall think? You can't really see it in the pictures, but there is a bubble curtain running along the back, and I plan on buying a power head soon. Snail tank should be up and running soon! Is it worthy for a group of puffers? ;D

 

[McCool]

http/m1069.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/AdiMcCool/Mobile%20Uploads/20120325_192928.jpg.html?src=www&action=view&current=20120325_192928.jpg&evt=user_media_share?pbauth=1_uLEBonVPfaLdh1h3YMYz2UkfZPuJdD9FEz5BfTnIvZGGUMJortr84uTeJIEr2vqSbaOiOrqPTyQeLMJ8mhlMxUXXpg7gw9bgiXUe734GsT5MdGlGDHAtoi82X8unbSAACnm8Te8%2FK4VC7QETwYb3iPi0uI3EYPWj%2FYfSeLt2YIA%3D

I'm not guaranteeing that will work... ^

 

[balajake]

http/m1069.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/AdiMcCool/Mobile%20Uploads/20120325_192928.jpg.html?src=www&action=view&current=20120325_192928.jpg&evt=user_media_share?pbauth=1_uLEBonVPfaLdh1h3YMYz2UkfZPuJdD9FEz5BfTnIvZGGUMJortr84uTeJIEr2vqSbaOiOrqPTyQeLMJ8mhlMxUXXpg7gw9bgiXUe734GsT5MdGlGDHAtoi82X8unbSAACnm8Te8%2FK4VC7QETwYb3iPi0uI3EYPWj%2FYfSeLt2YIA%3D

I'm not guaranteeing that will work... ^

your tank looks amazing . can't really advise on puffers though as i've never had them

 

[McCool]

Thank you!

If anyone has any more advice on puffers, please feel free to share! I feel like I have read nearly everything online that I can find about them. xD How many puffers do you think could go into my tank? From what I have read, I'm hoping to get 4-6 of them. Any advice on tank mates is welcome to! Probably just going to go with plecs, Danios and tetras, but if anyone knows of another fish that's compatible please do tell!

 

[minnnt]

6 would be a great number. As for other fish, I would add 6 otocinclus and leave it at that. Although SAP's are a more friendly puffer species, they're still not great community fish. I know danio's are quick, but its not worth the risk of them being nipped. The woman I brought 2 of mine from had them in with all sorts and they were all nipped right down to the body. Some big apple snails would work and give you another dimension to your tank.

 

[McCool]

Thanks for the input!
As long as they don't cost me an arm and a leg, I, think I will definitely try and get six and some otos! Unfortunately all the fish stores around here only carry Green Spotted and Dwarves, so I'm just hoping my LFS can order them. As far as other fish go, I think I'll set up another tank and observe the puffers for a while and see how aggressive they seem, and maybe try out some fast short fined fish if all seems ok... Will definitely keep a spare tank running though, And watch with a net in hand! Would hate to see any other fish get chomped on!

 

[minnnt]

Its really not worth the hassle mate, trust me. Just have 2 tanks. Have a dedicated puffer tank and a community tank. The puffers won't be aggressive with each other, but they will clamp on to fins of other fish when they get the chance, no matter how quick they are. Especially if they're peckish.

Also remember that you will have to trim their beaks. Have a look on youtube on how to do it.

 

[McCool]

Beak Trimming. Already dreading it! Going to set up a snail tank, but unfortunately that will only help so much. I have watched quite a few videos on it, and will no doubt watch a few hundred more before I attempt it! Thanks for the help! Will definitely get some otos soon!

 

[minnnt]

Hope yours eat them mate. I had a few people send me some, once they hit the floor they wasn't interested in them, lol. Don't give them prawns either, they're not good for them.
The frozen blister packs are best.