GSP in 28 gallon tank + saltwater question

[melbell86]

Hey all. I currently have one juvenile GSP in a 28 gallon tank. He is only about 1 inch long. I purchased a book on marine tanks, because im planning on getting a 55 gallon tank in the future (probably a year or so from now) and i want it to be a Fish Only with Live Rock full saltwater tank (i want to have two gsps and some live rock in the future). Im just wondering out of curiosity, how long does it take GSPs to go from juvenile to fully grown (6 inches)? Also, could i have live rock in with GSPs? I have a long way to go, but im reading this entire book on keeping marine aquariums to get ready to make the transition in the future. Also, im wondering if i should get a protein skimmer as i begin to raise my SG over the course of the next months. My SG is currently at 1.004 but i plan on raising it slowly. Another question, Could 2 juvenile GSPs live together in a 28 gallon tank, as long as they are moved to a 55 gallon tank as they get bigger?

thanks!

[Aquarist]

One Gsp would be very happy to live alone in a 55 gallon tank. You could hold 2. But pufferpunk had two 6 inch adults in a 55 gallon and rehomed them because they did not have enough swimming room. Yes. They can live with live rock. George at this point may or may not accept another puffer. In my opinion it would be best to leave him alone in a slightly larger tank. Unless you will eventually upgrade to beyond 55 gallons- but even then he may not accept another "friend" An adult one alone is quite the sight. Good luck. Also you can read here:

library/puffer-care/alone-but-not-lonel ... fers-solo/

[jmiller]

I'm glad you posted this because I'm doing research on the exact same thing.

[melbell86]

i got an awesome book called "the simple guide to marine aquariums" at my local barnes and noble. It has a lot of good information so far. It makes the idea of finally owning a salt water tank no so scary as i always imagined it to be
I really want to have two puffers, but if keeping george solo is the best then i guess thats what i will do

[RTR]

I respectfully disagree that two GSps can be well-housed in a 55. IMHO they cannot.

A singleton is far better IMHO.

[Aquarist]

I respectfully disagree that two GSps can be well-housed in a 55. IMHO they cannot.

A singleton is far better IMHO.

+1

[melbell86]

I have come to the decision that george will be alone his whole life in his current 28 gallon tank, and im ok with that As long as he is happy (which he is!) and gets to grow to his full potential, he will not get another tank mate. I think its just hard for some people because they are so cute and you want more than one, but you have to think about the benefits for the fish, not you as a fishkeeper. Thanks guys!

[Aquarist]

What are the dimensions of the 28G? I am asking because i'm not sure if as an adult a GSP could comfortably fit in one.

[garrysmith]

You may need a larger tank after a few years but i dont see a problem in having 2 puffers in the same tanks as long as you add them together and both very young. I have a topaz puffer and a dog faced hush puppy puffer, both around 3 inch and get on great, even feed together too

[melbell86]

ok i guess its a 26 gallon

24"L x 15"W x 21"H

Its a taller tank than it is long. I probably will need to upgrade eventually im thinking. I guess i should have just got a 55 when i got this tank, but i wasnt really completely informed when i purchased it
What do you guys think?

[trekenk]

It is defiantly better for the tank to be longer then taller. I won't lie a larger tank to start off would of been better but a 26 gallon is much better then you had. When you are able to upgrade check out craigs list in your area. Should be able to get a 55 for about $60.00 - $100.00. Your doing good with George and I commend you for that.

[melbell86]

awww thanks trek! That makes me teary eyed ;P I have been so worried about him, and i know its my responsibility to keep him happy and its been so rough but so rewarding. It feels good to get feedback from you guys because it makes me feel that much better about the care i have been giving him. I have been checking out craigslist and there are some really good deals. Im thinking maybe i can sell this tank to my friend when i get a chance to upgrade.

[jmiller]

Im thinking maybe i can sell this tank to my friend when i get a chance to upgrade.

Bad idea. The correct way to do it is buy the 55 also and go ahead and make it marine for the switch over. That way you'll have an empty 28 to do something with.

[melbell86]

lol J what are you doing to me?! Then i will have 3 tanks! My BF is gonna kill me when i tell him im gonna need to buy another tank soon :/ I guess i could use the 28 for a dwarf puffer tank!! How many DPs can i put in a 28 gallon? hahahaha

[jmiller]

If he says anything to you remind him it's all his fault anyway.

Edit:
With the right mix of male/females, 5 easy.