Stocking suggestion for a 28gal BF

[RichGSR]

Just got this set up and I'm looking for suggestions on what type of puffer to put in it. I have a cichlid tank so I'm not new to the hobby and very good at water maintenance. I plan on insta-cycling the tank by moving one of my HOB's filters over so I should be ready for a puffer in a few days. I live in Phoenix and I've found it hard to find a decent selection of puffers. I'm mostly looking for a freshwater puffer, but I could possibly be talked into a brackish tank.

LFS I went to last night had suvatii (pig nosed puffers) that looked cool. I was also told South American's might be a good choice. I would love to find a congo puffer with some bright colors, but I don't know how easy that would be. Anyway, I'd love some suggestions. Phx water's PH is fairly high 8.2 out of the tap and is fairly hard. Just thought I'd toss that in there.

TIA
Rich

[Jase]

south american puffers are a good choice, but will require their teeth to be trimmed. not sure if you're up to that. have you considered a figure 8 puffer?

[RichGSR]

Yeah I thought about figure 8's. How many could I put in that tank?

Also, are there any algae eaters i could put in that tank? If I get smaller puffers, would dither fish be ok?

[StormySkiez]

Algae eaters and puffers don't mix well for the most part. Have you checked out the FW section of the puffer pedia? Those red eye puffers look cool. There is 3 pages of FW puffers there to look at: ug.php/v/PufferPedia/Freshwater/

About 2 figure 8's for a 28g would do it.

[RichGSR]

I'm actually considering the T. suvatii. Any advice? He'll be alone in the tank. I have pool filter sand so he'll be able to dig in as much as he wants. What sort of aquarium decor do they need? Sparse or dense? Planted or fake plants?

Thanks for all the help everyone. Much appreciated.

[riggers]

Dwarf Puffers do well with otos which will eat algae. It seems your set on Suvatti but just thought I'd say. They need quite dense planting as they like to hang around in plants and hide in amongst them. But yeah they do bury as well so leave an area for him to do that. Don't know if you've seen it but here's a good article on them: library/puffers-in-focus/arrowhead/

[StormySkiez]

I don't know what type of tank setup is best for a suvatii but the sand sounds good. Be sure you will be sastisfied with a lurker type puffer. It probaby won't be very active. Those baby suvatii's in the puffer pedia look so cute! How big is the one at the LFS?

[Added]

[riggers]

Some others may come along and help w/ that.

Way ahead of ya

[StormySkiez]

Lol! you are! You post way faster to0!

[RichGSR]

I'm ok with it being inactive. I have a cichilid tank with tons of movement so I wouldnt mind a fish that just chilled out.

So lots of plants? Should I do real or fake? Since I won't have an algae eater in there, I'm assuming fake.

[riggers]

Lots of plants indeed, but don't forget about leaving some open space for burying. Real or fake, hmmm. Up to you really, I would go with real but only cause I want the challenge (at least I think I want it ) But going with real plants means you are less likely to have algae because the out competes it for the nutrients and other stuff it needs to grow, so you don't get so much algae.

[riggers]

Lots of plants indeed, but don't forget about leaving some open space for burying. Real or fake, hmmm. Up to you really, I would go with real but only cause I want the challenge (at least I think I want it ) But going with real plants means you are less likely to have algae because the out competes it for the nutrients and other stuff it needs to grow, so you don't get so much algae.

Lol! you are! You post way faster to0!

Well I like to provide a speedy service!

[riggers]

Oh dear that didn't work. I tried to edit my last one and it seems to have posted twice. And now I can't delete the first one. Hmmmmm. I'm guessing I will have to leave for one of the mods to delete? Or is there a way I can? Oh deary me I messed that one up.

[StormySkiez]

No biggie riggers...hehe

but IMO fake plants are much easier, cheaper, less hassel. I have had less algae in the tank w/ fake plants. I have a 55g tank that has almost been set up a year that stays clear of everything but some brown algae here and there, nothing big.

My 20g with java moss has been attacked by algae big time. I think I know why but only time will tell. My 10g snail and neon tank w/ fake plants has no algae (9 months) since after going through new tank syndrom.

It would be best to find out if the puffer he wants... will not tear up the plants, before he decides. Real plants look very nice if you can grow them well and know what you are doing.

[riggers]

Well there are always exceptions to rule. But the main thing really is what does the puffer want, and what do you want? If you want a challenge and the puffer won't eat them, go for live. If you don't want to risk it then go for fake. There isn't really a right or wrong way to do it as it is entirely up to you and your puffer.

No biggie riggers...hehe

Typical for me to go and mess up something that should be simple