tank mates?

[Ozkar]

Would a Porcupine Puffer and a Stars and Stripes Puffer get along well as tank mates? (assuming ample tank space)

[trekenk]

Hit and miss, not advisable..As they mature they might get more aggressive to one and other. You would need over 300 gallons min. for these two puffers.
Welcome to The Puffer Forum.

[jus85411]

i wouldnt do it, two cool monster puffs deserve two separate tanks. if you have a 300+ gallon tank already and want an inhabitant then either one of those puffs would be extremely happy in that tank alone. another might stress the other out. even if there is no aggression(or so it seems none) just the mere presence of another puff could be enough to stress one out.

[Ozkar]

Thanks,

I will not be getting both then.

Now the question is.... Of the 2, which one should I get? I have had both in the past (not in the same tank), and really loved them both.

About 10 years ago I went back to college to finish my degree; I didn't have enough time for saltwater water changes while working full time and school part time, so I sold off the puffs and converted to freshwater tanks. I miss those 2.

[trekenk]

They are both great fish. What size tank do you have now? Porc needs min. 120 gallon where your looking at 160 min. for the Star's and Strip's.

[Ozkar]

They are both great fish. What size tank do you have now? Porc needs min. 120 gallon where your looking at 160 min. for the Star's and Strip's.

I have a 120 (5 ft long) and a 125 (6 ft long), one of which I was going to convert back to saltwater. The plan is to get a small juvie puffer and build a custom (300 gallon ish) tank while the puff is growing up. How long do you think I have before the new tank would need to be ready? I'm thinking 1-2 years.

BTW, I just uploaded an avatar: That is a pic I took of my porc puffer years ago. I don't think I have any pics of my stars and stripes puffer (now that I think about it). I'm kind of surprised about that - never was much of a picture taker.

[trekenk]

Ahhh your porc such a cute guy, don't those eye just grab ya. Here is my two cents worth. Personally I'm not into the upgrade as they grow. Life gets in the way and sometimes the upgrades get put off, you know what I mean. I would honestly go with the porc and not worry about the upgrade, then and if you do get that upgrade you open up other options. You really can't lose with a porc anyways.

[DRRT]

Seeing as you've had both of them in the past and pretty much love them equally and that you are going to build a nice big tank while they are growing,

I say get the first properly sized, priced, and healthy one you see and love!