Tough Puffer Choices

[caietaro]

So my tank is almost done cycling and I'm once again finding myself going back and forth on what I want to put in it when it's ready!

Tank Specs
47 Gallon Column tank (approx 24Lx24Wx32H)
Cycled at SG 1.005
Plenty of rocks and artificial plants for exploring/broken lines of sight

So I originally was planning on setting up this tank for a green spotted puffer. My only concern with that was that when I got the GSP it'd be so small (prob about 1-2") that I think it might get lost in the tank and tank would look pretty empty!

While at my LFS recently I noticed that they have some Ninja Puffers (aka Tetraodon erythrotaenia). They had 7 or so I think but one of the employees bought a few and now there are 4 left that they've had since November. All look healthy with white bellies, are eating well, and are getting along fine in a 20 or so gal tank. From the limited amount of info it seems like they stay smaller than the GSP's (3-4" range) so I was thinking of getting three for my tank. I'm worried that with more than one though they'll be more reluctant to show the puffer-type personalities I'm looking for!

So, long story short...what would you guys and gals put in a tank like this if you had it?

[puffertt77]

Hey caietaro

I've just got a Mbu and a South American Puffer

My Mbu Naboo is already showing loads of character and they are known to become very tame and friendly with their owner, the only problem with them is (as you've probably read) they grow very big and will need a massive tank when they're fully grown

My SAP is very lively and cherpy, he zooms round the tank looking for food and is very funny to watch, I think they only grow to 4 inches so not to big

The 2 puffers really get on well, Naboo's a bit of a woose and is very timid so I don't think there's any problems with him attacking the SAP. The SAP is fascinated with Naboo and hovers round him a lot, and when he's not speeding round the tank he goes and sits next to Naboo which looks very sweet

[Christemo]

F8s do well with a .005.

[caietaro]

I have no problem upping the SG time if I were to get a GSP, I just used an SG of 1.005 to cycle and start somewhere.

[LilGreenPuffer]

Idk about the SG, but that could be changed... what about 3 SAPs? They're schoolers, so they'd be better off in a group. And a GSP would grow, you know, so after a bit he'd show up better.

[caietaro]

I thought that SAP's preferred length and current over height? I didn't think the 24x24" foot print would be large enough for them.

It's true that the GSP would grow and eventually become more visible...it would just be an empty tank for a while. Suppose I could put a few tankmates in until he is big enough to be the center of attention?

[LilGreenPuffer]

Idk about the SAPs and their preferences. I would be cautious in choosing tankmates. I think it would be worth it to wait for the GSP to grow, whether or not you add tankmates.

[Christemo]

SAPs do prefer length over height, and they're freshwater anyways.

[LilGreenPuffer]

SAPs do prefer length over height, and they're freshwater anyways.

Noted. *writes down little note on brain in section of never-to-be-practically-applied knowledge that she stores up anyway; runs off to browse PufferPedia in order to gain more of same*

[Christemo]

SAPs do prefer length over height, and they're freshwater anyways.

Noted. *writes down little note on brain in section of never-to-be-practically-applied knowledge that she stores up anyway; runs off to browse PufferPedia in order to gain more of same*

I always thought of SAPs being little ADHD fish. They need a lot of decoration and a lot of caves with holes and a good place to swim to keep them from getting bore---- ohhh, a butterfly!