Looking to buy a puffer, need advice

[jeremy]

Hey everyone -

I'm new to the puffer scene, and would like some advice. After searching around, it seems everyone has different opinions and view, so I thought I'd see what you guys had to say.

I've always talked about buying a puffer, but have just never done it. I think I'm finally ready to do it, but would like some clarification:

1.) I'm looking at a South African Puffer - these guys can be in a freshwater tank, right?
2.) I've read that I shouldn't introduce the puffer to the water until it has been "cycled" - what does that mean?
3.) What size tank should I purchase?
4.) Are puffers okay to be alone in a tank? I don't want to get in over my head, so I thought I'd start off with one. From what I've read, this isn't a problem.

I think I'll leave it at that for now. I'm sure I'll have more. Any insight and/or resources you could point me to would be appreciated. If I'm going to do this, I want to do it right. Thanks!

[riggers]

I think you mean South AMERICAN Puffer? If so here's some answers:

1)Yep FW
2)Basically, fish waste, plant waste, food etc. all create ammonia in your tank, which fish can't deal with. So little bacteria forms in the tank to get rid of it and turn it into Nitrite. This is also bad, so more bacteria form to turn that into NitrAte. This is OK in small amounts, so you have to do water changes to keep it down to a sensible amount*. here's an article which goes into more depth about it: library/water-filtration/fishless-cycling/
3)15 gallons at least for each one.
4)SAPs like to be in groups. Heres an article which you should read before buying them: library/puffers-in-focus/sap/

*EDIT: I have just described the normal cycle that happens in you tank. The article is important to read because it explains how to start the cycle off in the beginning.

[jeremy]

The article says there should be 3+ SAP's in a tank; What size tank should one have for three SAP's?

[riggers]

45 gallons I would say going by the 15 gal per puffer rule.

[crazedpuffer]

35 would work, you want 15 for the first one and 10 for each additional puff.
Of course bigger is better.

[Pufferpunk]

If you want SAPs be sure to read the Puffer Dentistry article too. Check out other profiles of FW puffers in our Pufferpedia.