Starting a Brackish Aquarium

The forum for puffers that either live or start in brackish biotopes: GSPs, F8s, Ceylons & more.
Woland
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Starting a Brackish Aquarium

Post by Woland »

This article is recommended by our team of experts.

Starting a brackish Aquarium, an article by Cody Shoup
Regards

Woland
lisalisa

Post by lisalisa »

Does anyone agree though that the proposed stocking is a bit off? 8 GSP's and 10 BBG's in a 125?
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Post by RTR »

I would not keep GSPs and BBGs together in any size tank. I think that PP will agree with me on that. But the same setup substituting F-8s would more appropriate if a bit too crowded for me.
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lisalisa

Post by lisalisa »

The page also says no hydrometer is needed for brackish tanks, and that your tanks must be fed 2x/day if not 3.
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Post by Jayhawk »

I still think it's a good page...but like most internet sites, or books, it's not perfect.

It's what got me started with brackish (although I bought a hydrometer...call me paranoid).

Eric
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Post by RTR »

It is far better than most, and a lot of work went into it, with input from plenty of knowledgeable folks - including some locals here. But in the end, it is the creator's page, so total agreement is not to be expected.
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Post by toyota_mini »

so what do we think good page for a puffer beginer??
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Post by RTR »

We do have good articles on GSPs and F-8s in the Library here, plus multiple articles on feeding and tank management and setup. Badman's site is for aimed a general audience, ours is more specific to puffers, but the filtration articles are quite general.
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tomtom
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Is he talking US gallons or UK?

Post by tomtom »

Is the mentioned site using US or UK gallons? Just interested as new to all this!

trying to get my rescued F8 into his correct environment was been sold as freshwater!

This sight is helping no end! THANKS everyone
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Post by Peregrine »

US Gallons...1 F8 per 15 US Gallon
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andy198712
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Post by andy198712 »

that was a good read, kinda basic, but i dont understand all the big words people normaly use any way lol
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lil_witchy2
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Re: Starting a Brackish Aquarium

Post by lil_witchy2 »

My gsp was sold as freshwater, so I shouldn't go straight to the suggested salinaty should I? wouldn't that shock him?
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Myaj
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Re: Starting a Brackish Aquarium

Post by Myaj »

Fish actually handle salinity changes pretty well, if you do them properly (slow acclimation, drip method is best). Brackish water fish are designed to swim through various salinities.. imagine one swimming along a marsh and swimming into the flow of water from a freshwater stream coming into the marsh.. they adjust to it. Obviously the slower and easier the acclimation the less stress, and less stress is always good.

The tank bacteria can't handle changes though, and puffers can't handle a tank that doesn't have established bacteria.

So you can do it either way, cycle the tank freshwater, get the fish, and slowly increase the salinity .002 or less every week until you reach the desired salinity, or you can cycle the tank at your goal salinity and then slowly acclimate the fish once you buy it.
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lil_witchy2
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Re: Starting a Brackish Aquarium

Post by lil_witchy2 »

thanks, I wasn't sure and I don't want to kill my little guy. my bf says I'm obsessed but I'm just determined to have a good tank for Smegal.
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Myaj
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Re: Starting a Brackish Aquarium

Post by Myaj »

There's worst hobbies/habits to have.. just tell him that! ;)
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