New To Pufferkeeping (if that's a word)

[bhallg2k]

So a few weeks ago, I decided to get back into fishkeeping. I bought a 29 gallon tank, set it up to support a typical freshwater community and let it cycle. Yesterday I went to the fish store to select my fish and found they had some green spotted puffers along with a few fugus. I decided I had to have one; a GSP.

I came home and did my homework. Upon finding out that the GSP goes from freshwater to high brackish/full salt, I figured that I could buy one and bring it along to SW while doing the same to my tank. I have a few questions related to that.

As of now, my tank has a pebble substrate and no protein skimmer. My plan is to change the substrate to crushed coral and add the skimmer once the fish has been brought closer to full SW. I realize this is a slow process, I'm just planning ahead.

Ideally, I'd like to put my new GSP into a separate, smaller tank (or other suitable container) while I change the substrate and add the skimmer. I just want to know what kind of container he/she can go in and for how long. Overnight would be wonderful, as it would allow me to bring the new water up to temperature and for the bacteria (via Bio Spira) to take hold. Any ideas?

Also, when comparing pictures of GSPs online to my puffer, mine doesn't have the white belly. His is black. I've read that it may be darkened due to stress. Am I correct? If so, is there anything I can do to make life easier on him?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Phaedrus]

The 29 gallon is cutting it close size-wise, but should be acceptable. Be sure to decorate the tank with lots of hiding places, broken lines of sight, and complex water currents. They are much more comfortable in a 55g and maintenance is easier given the larger water volume. Something to consider.

crushed coral or aragonite substrate is a good idea.

You can add a skimmer once you reach 1.020ish
An AquaC Remora Pro HOB skimmer would be good for that sized tank and load.

If you are using bio-spira, leave the GSP in the tank, he will provide the necessary bio-load to feed the bio-spira. Pour the bio-spira directly into the filter.

For changing the substrate, you can move him into a large pail with an airstone for the amount of time you'd need to change the substrate. It shouldn't take too long.

A black belly is likely due to stress cause by the move, or an uncycled tank. He should settle down in a few days. You could try leaving the lights off and not disturbing him too much for the first while so he can get used to his new surroundings in peace.

Good luck, and post some pictures if you can.

[Pufferpunk]

Pufferkeeping's definately a word--around here!

[Phaedrus]

If blogosphere can be a word, so can pufferkeeping.

[bhallg2k]

The tank has two large plants and two small, as well as having a rock cave and another rock formation that can be used for shade. It's really easy to hide in my tank. And I've over filtered the tank by about 210%, so his finding complex currents to play in shouldn't be a problem.

As far as taking him out of the tank for a substrate change, is there a good method for making sure that the new water is roughly the same temperature as the old?

Thanks for the tips. Hopefully his belly will go white in a couple of days. I've only had the light on long enough to put him in the tank and to see if he's eaten the snails I put in with him. Maybe that'll help set him at ease.

I'll try to post some pictures once everything is settled.

[bhallg2k]

Ok, so I just noticed that my puffer's eyes "glow" green in the light. Normal, or no?

[Boxermom]

Very normal.

[bhallg2k]

I created a thread on the hospital forum to solicit some help. Either I'm paranoid, or maybe he's a little ill. Here's the post http://www.thepufferforum.com/forum/vie ... php?t=4708.