I've had a Fahaka puffer for 2 years and he sadly passed away very recently due to a stressful move in which he was injured. It was devastating to lose him as he was such a personality in my home and I adored him. I got him as a baby and was excited to move him to a bigger tank, unfortunately now I have a larger, empty tank. I look forward to getting another Fahaka, likely as a baby, and starting him in this 70 gallon column for the first few years of his life or until I see he needs an upgrade.
Naturally, my last puffer was all cute and cuddles as he chased your visage at the edge of his tank and spat water for attention, but he was a vicious little guy who could not have any tank mates. I understand this is expected of Fahakas, but I am wondering if I start my new baby puffer if there is anything I can do to promote the possibility of tank mates? I am aware this will likely not work out, but I'd love to give it a shot.
Also, if there is any advice to be offered for Fahaka puffers, I am open to learning... I'd really like to avoid the heartache of losing another one! Right now my new tank is cycling, freshwater with a sump setup. pH is quite high with all RO water and I read he would prefer it in the 7 range, not entirely sure how to get it down there safely. My last puffer was strange in that he seemed to prefer a higher temperature water as well as higher pH or else he would hide all day and not be an active swimmer. He was also very small for his age despite good diet and a clean setup.
Here's my Poddler, RIP
![[welcome]](./images/smilies/welcome.gif "welcome")
