new tank- new to puffers... give me ideas!

[mills705]

Got myself a new tank!
Its cycling atm. It holds 64 litres so a little less when you take into consideration filter, substrate etc...
So what freshwater puffers could I keep? and also what environment would they need? and water conditions!
cheers

[julianchan]

With a tank that size, your options are limited to either Dwarf puffers, or a single South American Puffer

Things to think about...SAP's require teeth trimming every few months....DP's seem to enjoy live food and are not that keen to accept dry foods. I think DP's would be a better choice, personally.

Congratulations!

[mills705]

thanks for that quick reply!
I was thinking that. ?
How do you trim the beaks? I was under the impression that if you gave them the correct source of food then there beaks would not need trimming?
How many DP would you suggest?

[Agnate]

Also, SAPs do a LOT better in shoals of more than 1, so you'd probably end up with a very shaking SAP. As for DPs, you can usually do about 1 per 5 gallons (20 litres), so you could have 3. If you go with 2 DPs, you can also put in Oto Cats (maybe 2-3) to clean algae, as well as some cherry shrimp for added attraction.

[julianchan]

As Paul said....better in shoals...but to answer the question...denstistry is here

library/hospital/dentistry/

SAP's just seem to have a fast tooth growth rate in comparison to other puffers. Even with a good diet, they still seem to require trimming.

[LilGreenPuffer]

I vote DPs.

[mills705]

dwarf puffers it is! Now to go and find about their biotype!

[LilGreenPuffer]

Check the pufferpedia.

[mills705]

oso slightly acidic and plenty of plants and wood etc to break up lines of sight!
Some of the reading has led me to questions...
whats the best food for DP?
Bloodworm etc are the norm but what are peoples opinions on shrimps? As I disagree with feeder fish but yet i think this is a special case??

[side19]

i've only fed mine live pond snails. so far they've loved them, and even play with the big ones (well until i found the male literally head first inside one of the bigger one's shells eating him the easy way). i want to try bloodworms but alas, no money.

[fishlady1958]

i have DP's.....mine eat tiny pond snails, but they love blood worms.....i have them in a moderately planted tank....i like to see them..... .....they are quite comical in their nature....but i love them very much.....

[mills705]

How do you feed the snails? Do you just culture them in the tank and the puffers just eat them? Or have them in a seperate tank and feed accordingly?

[LilGreenPuffer]

Seperate tank is best.

[mills705]

How much do puffers need to be fed?
Im guessing everyday or otherday with snails or bloodworm or similar?

[LilGreenPuffer]

Yep. Snails need to happen at least once a week, daily if possible.