Trying to fit puffers in my 16 gallon tank

Terrance · Post by **Terrance** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 12:16 am

Hi everyone,

I'm currently trying to fit a Golden puffer or Fang puffer in my 16 gallon tank. The PufferPedia says both need 20 gallon minimum. Should I not even consider putting one of these in my 16 gallon? What if I really decorate my tank for the puffer to explore and the bottom of the tank will not have any gravel, will it make a difference? I already have 2 south american puffers in my 29 gallon tanks, and don't want more of these species. I would like to put one active puffer in this 16 gallon.

Edit: I think pea puffers are too tiny. Any recommendation for bigger active puffer?

Post by **Pufferpunk** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 12:57 am

Figure 8 puffer: ug.php/v/PufferPedia/Brackish/T_Biocellatus/
library/puffers-in-focus/fig8/

Terrance · Post by **Terrance** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 1:26 am

I was considering 1 F8, but I'm not sure how well I will handle SG level in the long-run.

Post by **Pufferpunk** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 1:29 am

It's really easy. See the BW mixing article in the BW puffer forum.

Terrance · Post by **Terrance** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 1:44 am

When I change the water, how do I match the pH level of the new water with the tank pH level? I'm concerned about water changes.

I have been using my aqueon water changer and have gotten water transferred back and forth very easily.

What will I have to do differently during water changes with brackish?

btw Good article

Post by **Pufferpunk** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 1:55 am

With using aragonite sand as your substrate, pH shouldn't be an issue.

Terrance · Post by **Terrance** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 1:59 am

How about SG for the new water? Do I just add the water (lets say 8 gallon change) to the tank and then put in the proper amount of sea salt (enough for the new 8 gallons of water)?

Post by **bertie 83** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 4:17 am

You mix the salt in with the new water read the article pp suggested it will all seem a lot clearer

Post by **bertie 83** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 6:02 am

You could make a nice home for 2 or 3 dps

Iliveinazoo · Post by **Iliveinazoo** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 8:36 am

Terrance wrote:How about SG for the new water? Do I just add the water (lets say 8 gallon change) to the tank and then put in the proper amount of sea salt (enough for the new 8 gallons of water)?

You would make the 8 gallons the same SG as your tank water, i.e. tank water=SG1.003, Bucket water=SG1.003 (slight variations won't hurt and a difference of up to +/- 0.002 at change time will be fine).

Post by **Pufferpunk** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 10:52 am

Read the article please!

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=19348

Terrance · Post by **Terrance** » Sat Jul 09, 2011 1:07 pm

I just read the article, so I will need to buy a bucket, heater, powerhead, and sea salt in order to proper pwc.

Do any of you guys set up an extra tank dedicated for water change? Like use a 15 gal tank with heater and filter.. then add water and sea salt. Then let it run overnight to get proper SG. And then siphon all the water from the 15 gal to the 30 gal puffer tank. I'm trying to find a way for easy water change so that I can get a marine puffer one day

I'll try to get my hands on another 29 gal tank for one fang puffer.

Post by **RTR** » Sun Jul 10, 2011 9:02 am

Yes, always, for FW, BW and SW. All my make-up and partial water is aged and tempered aerated in separate vessels, then pumped to the tank as needed. Yes, it requires extra equipment up-front, but simplifies my life in the long run by always having water ready for use.

CyberBob · Post by **CyberBob** » Sun Jul 10, 2011 10:23 am

Terrance wrote:I just read the article, so I will need to buy a bucket, heater, powerhead, and sea salt in order to proper pwc.

Do any of you guys set up an extra tank dedicated for water change? Like use a 15 gal tank with heater and filter.. then add water and sea salt. Then let it run overnight to get proper SG. And then siphon all the water from the 15 gal to the 30 gal puffer tank. I'm trying to find a way for easy water change so that I can get a marine puffer one day

I'll try to get my hands on another 29 gal tank for one fang puffer.

In the past I've used 5g buckets and a powerhead overnight. you can get the buckets for about $2.50 at most hardware stores.
the powerhead ... well, I got mine from a friend, but I think they cost about $30 still.
Having a full tank would prolly be easier, but more expensive for sure.

Have fun with your lil ones. with a 16g tank, my advice would be a few DPs. GSP is too big and a F8 would be a lil crowded.
Just depends on the floor size of the tank really. Puffs need more room to stretch out. I wouldn't use a tall tank if I had a long tank in other words.
With DPs, I'd say give them about 5" of floor per DP (5g of water is recommended too) and they should be happy. But, only 1 male.

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