Dwarf Puffers

[Porffor]

Thanks everyone. Have some plants ready to go in, along with some decorations for the meantime.
Also picked up some snails from a LFS today.. well they were there in the tank so if you don't ask you don't get eh! lol They were only too happy to oblige and I figure they may 'breed' in the tank. lol They're only small admittedly.
Will def keep an eye on parameters and keeping food stuff down now they're in there.

[RTR]

It really is not possible to over-filter. Under-filtration is fairly common., and too much current is as common as dirt, as is too little current for the fish housed. Biofiltration is limited only by the metabolites (ammonia and nitrite) involved. Mechanical filtration is limited only by the particle size captured by a particular medium.

But I second Myaj's comments on getting the live plants transferred in and established ASAP. That reduces the biofiltration requirement on its own, as well as providing the best environment for the DPs visually and environmentally - lots of good bacteria and infusoria will piggy-back on the plants. That is one of my best "secret weapons" for starting "new" tanks. It is no secret really though - plants from you own tanks tend to establish much quicker and easier than newly purchased plants - they are already adapted to your water and care. If you also have some small common pond snails or ramshorn snails, add just a few of those as well - watch for empty shells - great DP food also.

HTH

[Porffor]

Thanks will fish out those untidy empty shells from my old tank too! lol I had wondered if they'd be interested in them but wasn't sure.

plants are in situ and DP's are doing well (still to be named) water is stable today and they're eating bloodworms fairly well so that's good news. Just cleaning up those left behind.

[Porffor]

quick update to say thanks again for tip about snails! One of my DP is already stalking and attacking! lol amazing as I'd only just thrown them in and the little cutie found a live one! lol

Can't believe I'm so early in and handling snails and worms .. yes I'm a girl! lol a girl who still thinks it's a bit gross but will do it for the sake of my fishies! :p

[RTR]

Snails don't bother me at all - I have handled many thousands of them. Worms ,well, they are a tad yucky, so congratulations! The things that we do for our fish...

[Porffor]

lol thanks.. I guess the fact I muck out a horse helps.. and had a dog years ago who ate EVERYTHING.. leading to my fishing it out of his throat a few times.. well I guess it all helps! lol

[Flutter]

How do you much out a horse?

[pufferpuggirl]

I believe she means "muck" out a horse, and that's the lingo for cleaning out horse do-do.

[Flutter]

Haha, you caught my typo. Let me rephrase:

How do you muck out a horse? That's a skill that could be quite handy

[RTR]

I have cleaned out tanks (not my own) that smelled worse than a stall. My younger sister was "horsey". Horses give me hives. Magnificent creatures, but better seen from a bit of distance upwind of them...

[Pufferpunk]

I was just asked on Facebook what is in my fridge. I responded, lots of fruit... & worms.

[Porffor]

RTR thats a shame you are allergic to horses - they are lovely animals and amazingly kind mostly.
lol at the mucking out.. guess it's our English way of talking about it. lol

Pufferpunk - had to giggle at the worms in your fridge! Bet your friends will think twice to having a cup of tea or dinner at your house now!

[RTR]

She Who Must Be Obeyed draws the line at worms in the fridge. Mine line in their blue boxes on the floor of the tank room. There was a bar-type fridge leftover from my son's college days, but if died a long time back. I can't keep as many per box, but they do okay at floor level.

[Porffor]

lol I am the she who must be obeyed and mine are bloodworms frozen! lol no live ones around my house thanks! lol

I have been hand feeding my puffers as the shop said they do this.. I wasn't convinced it was true.
Got the shock of my life when both Gene and Ace (yes we've named them after members of Kiss) both swam up to suck worms from the half frozen lump in my fingers.. and one of them nipped me!!! I confess I was a girl and squealed.. well I wasn't expecting it! lol

[RTR]

A hint to the DP hand feeders of bloodworms - use forceps - or wear nitrile gloves. Bloodworms have some among the better antigens around, and I am one of the many fish-keepers who can no longer use them at al. They make horses look puny by comparison....