Tips on modestus care

[Weaver]

I'm just wondering if you have any tips on this puffer. I have spent some time reading through the forum and learn about but I wanted some feed back on my puffer and if there is anything I can do to make him happy.

Here is a picture of my 30 us gallon setup.




I have a tetra filter on the back rated for a 30 gallon tank. I have been thinking about upgrading the filter in the future but I don't want to turn the tank into a whirlpool as well.

I have also been thinking about getting a canister filter but I really don't know much about them. Either way I'm going to keep my current filter and just do the normal 20% water changes ever 3 days.


What should be my next step to make sure he is happy and healthy other than getting the snail colony producing enough snails to keep him busy hunting. I have tried everything to get them going short of diming the lights and playing berry white. They are trumpet snails (the only ones I can find) and I'm aware that they are not ideal, but they will have to do until I can find common pond snails.

Another question is, when he has been feed he tends to hide under the filter or behind some wood. Is this normal or a sign of over feeding?

Thanks for your feedback.

[Flutter]

If you need to use trumpet snails then crush them with pliers first.

[Weaver]

Thanks for the tip. He always seemed to get the meat out of the shell no problem and all you could see is some teeth marks around the opening of the shell.

[Pufferpunk]

I'd add a large piece of driftwood in there, that goes across the length of the tank.

[Weaver]

I have one piece that I added that makes a pretty good hiding place in the left corner. But I will pick up some more to give him some more hiding places.

[Pufferpunk]

Yeah, as a typically nervous species, I think it would appreciate more cover.

[Weaver]

Thanks a lot, that also explains why he has been hiding under the filter. But I will add some more wood and look into getting some more plants to give him lots of hiding spots... and also make him work to find those snails.

[Pufferpunk]

Most nervous-type fish will come out in the open more if they know there is plenty of cover to retreat into when they feel threatened.

[Weaver]

Put that onto my to do list... next pay day lol



Is there any place on the site where I can see pictures of your setup? That way I can see what I need to do and get a better idea.