Nile Puffer (need help)

[Tetrodo]

I have been keeping tropical fish for three years now and have always been fascinated by puffer fish, its not intil recently i have decided to purchase a new tank, at first it was going to be a 300L community tank. But since then i have changed my mind and have chosen to get a Nile puffer. I have been researching these fish for about 1 month now so i can get everything right for when i finally get one.. But i would like some help from some people who have kepted this fish before. First question, I am aware that this fish is best to be left solo in its aquarium,But are there any tank mates that can go with it? idealy a algea eater and is 300 L suitable as i have been told 450 plus is minimum size ... Also is there anything else i need to know about this fish and what kind of habitat does it prefer? such as planting and lighting... Be realy great if someone could reply and give me some friendly advice
Many thanks
Ross

[Myaj]

Well, 300 liters is right around 80 gallons...

450 liters is just under 120 gallons...

Generally it is suggested you go with at LEAST 120 gallons, but you have to take the tank shape into account along with the water volume. These fish get to be over 12 inches, so its best to have a tank that is deep enough front to back to allow them to turn easily. 24 inches front to back is what is suggested. So that is why a 120 gallon tank is recommended over a 125, because a 125 is only 18 inches front to back, not giving the fish a whole lot of wiggle room.

They do grow very fast, and can be stunted easily, so its best to start off with the largest tank possible.

As far as tank mates.. each puffer is different. Some allow tankmates, some don't.. some just munch on one every rare once in a while...

[Rocker]

120G US min tank and no tank mates

[Tetrodo]

thanks for the replys dudes

[r1ashad]

When I first got mine off of Fish2U.com at 2.5inches, my Fahaka (Nile Puffer) aka Puffy Daddy didn't eat for almost 2 days after I put him into a cycled tank. I guess it was from shipping and shock. They said that they fed him flake food which I've never been able to do but I feed him worms, feeders (not any more because I learned they have growth inhibitors) DO NOT FEED YOUR FISH FEEDERS, thawed frozen shrimp, and the occasional apple snail now. I started off with 12 Tiger Barbs and a common 3" pleco with the Fahaka which lasted for about 6 months but once I started feeding the puffer feeders and he got bigger, eventually he ate all the Tiger Barbs, he is now 8inches and I now still have a Pleco now about 6inches.
http://www.thepufferforum.com/forum/vie ... php?t=2249[/b]

[Tetrodo]

I couldnt bare to watch my puffer eat other live fish I have been to 3 different aquatic stores today to look at the puffers and find a tank. Just wondering if anyone would be kind enough to post pictures of there Nile puffer tanks.
thanks

[Pufferpunk]

Check out my tanks in my sig.

[r1ashad]

I couldn't bare to watch my puffer eat other live fish I have been to 3 different aquatic stores today to look at the puffers and find a tank. Just wondering if anyone would be kind enough to post pictures of there Nile puffer tanks.
thanks

Puffers are carnivorous fish, what do you think they eat outside of captivity A puffer will eat anything it can catch, especially a Fahaka (bigger and more aggressive species of puffers)

[RTR]

In the wild they eat mollusks, they are not piscivores.

http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/species ... e=lineatus

[Tetrodo]

Real nice Puffers and tanks Pufferpunk (and the lady on the motorbike )
A real inspiration. Ill be sure to post pics of my aquarium and Puffer once i am sorted.. hoping to be in the next month or so