New Fahaka. Need Help!

[Natty]

I have a 2" fahaka puffer that someone just gave me.

1. What's the maximum temperature that I should keep him till it is considered not good? During the summer, temperatures can get to be 85-87F, any problems with that? Also, what temperature is considered a bit too cold?

2. Can he live in my 10 gallon tank with a medium amount of live plants in there? I know eventually he'll need more room, but how long can he stay in my 10 gallon?

3. Anyway to feed him live food without putting him in the risk of parasites? Or should I just feed frozen/freeze dried?

[Pufferpunk]

1) Fish stress easily & shouldn't be kept too how or too cold. 78-82 degrees, tops. You're going to have to find siome way to keep that tank cooler than 85. A heater will keep it warm in the winter.

2) Is that 10g cycled? If not, you must read the emergency cycling article in our Library. If it is, I'd say he has about a month in there, as he will grow extremely quickly for the 1st year. I'd upgrade to at least a 55g & eventually a minimum of 120g.

3) See the feeding articles in our Library.

[Natty]

I've let him adjust to the tank water for two hours or so, and yes it is cycled. But he seems to be just laying there. Is that normal for a puffer to act? I mean, considering I had to drive him all the way back to my house which is about 40 mins away.

I'm guessing he's like that because he's tired and stressed from the ride and he should be okay tomorrow? Hope he will be. He's a cute little thing.

[Pufferpunk]

Could be... Does he have decor/cave to hang out in? They like that. Mind if I ask how it was cycled? What do you mean he "adjusted" for 2 hours?

[groovitudedude]

I've let him adjust to the tank water for two hours or so, and yes it is cycled. But he seems to be just laying there. Is that normal for a puffer to act? I mean, considering I had to drive him all the way back to my house which is about 40 mins away.

I'm guessing he's like that because he's tired and stressed from the ride and he should be okay tomorrow? Hope he will be. He's a cute little thing.

Hope he turns out okay. He's probably just still adjusting. Two very important things:

1) They get pretty big. Go as big as you can.
2) NO TANKMATES, trust me on this one.

[Natty]

Could be... Does he have decor/cave to hang out in? They like that. Mind if I ask how it was cycled? What do you mean he "adjusted" for 2 hours?

I got some lava rocks in there, he's just sorta laying on top of the substrate, which is ADA Aquasoil, which was originally meant for the plants. Also have some plants as well, live.

It's cycled because I've had it up for a few months now with a lot of plants and some snails and awhile back I also checked for nitrite, ammonia, and nitrate, zero on all. I also did a 1/3rd water change before this as well.

I adjusted him by putting him in a bag with his old tank water. The bag has a little hole at the bottom and I just let it float on the surface of the water. After two hours, I open the hole all the way and dumped him out.


And yeah, I know they get pretty large, unsure how they really look like until they get there but yeah, I read around a bit. Definately no tankmates. Thanks for the help.

[Pufferpunk]

I'm sorry to say, there probably isn't enough bacteria developed in the tank to support the bioload of your puffer. Is he 2" with or without the tail? Please read the Fishless Cycling & Emergency Cycling articles in our Library.

Try making a cave out of the rocks you have in there.

[Natty]

I'm sorry to say, there probably isn't enough bacteria developed in the tank to support the bioload of your puffer. Is he 2" with or without the tail? Please read the Fishless Cycling & Emergency Cycling articles in our Library.

Try making a cave out of the rocks you have in there.

What do you mean by that, how come? Isn't it cycled since it's been up for months, filled with live plants, and nitrite and ammonia is 0 and nitrate ranges around 0-5ppm?

2"-2.5" with tail.

[Pufferpunk]

The puffer just got in there. He probably hasn't eaten or gone to the bathroom yet. There is enough bacteria developed to support what you had in there--some snails, right?

[Natty]

The puffer just got in there. He probably hasn't eaten or gone to the bathroom yet. There is enough bacteria developed to support what you had in there--some snails, right?

Yeah, but aren't the bacterias in there already be able to handle it? I had the tank up for months. By the way, snails poop a lot, just saying from observation .

So what do you suggest that I do? I hope he's okay, he's sorta hiding behind a lava rock right now. It would suck if something happens *knock on wood*

[Pufferpunk]

Let's hope he eats the snail soon. Please read those articles, so you get a better understanding of how cycling & biological balance works. I'm going to bed, it's almost 2am here.

[Natty]

Quick question, I wanna add a bit of aquarium salt, how much of the recommended dosage should I add to my 10 gallon?

It says 1tbsp for each 5 gallon. Is adding that okay? So far he's sorta still at the bottom of the tank, but he's still alive! Not sure if thats real good or not

[Lil' Swimz$]

Yes, 2 tbsp for your whole tank is okay. Puffers like alot of cover. And if your tank is too bright he will be much more shy. Try some super tall fake plants that drape over the surface.

[Natty]

Anyone second that advice on aquarium salt?

Also wondering about feeding (I read the article about feeding as well).

I was wondering if I can go to the super market and buy some frozen shrimps and clams/molluscs and so on. Is that okay? Also, when I bring it back, do I wash it after it thaws or just put it into the tank and is it okay to put in salt water type shrimps and clams/molluscs ETC, even though my puffer lives in fresh water?

Oh yeah, today, I saw him swimming around a bit but he's still just laying around. How long does it usually take a fahaka to recover from a long stressful drive?

[Lil' Swimz$]

I second that. (lol)

Yes, that is fine, and rinsing them off is good, too. Sounds like you got the right idea..