newbie form australia

[daveho]

Awsome thanks for the info. There isnt alot of info on these guys so il have to play around with what they will and wont eat. Ill keep records on em and post em

[Terrance]

Awesome pics. How is the activity level of these fish?

I have always thought you meant these types of toadfish puffers: ug.php/v/PufferPedia/Brackish/T_Erythrotaenia/

[daveho]

the activity level seems good, they are eating, and not always paceing the tank but i havent seen em stop for all that long. and i think the term "toad fish" is just a nickname given to em for no real reason. from what i have read they can reach about 5 inch do u think 3 is tomany for a 55 (agression isnt an issue for these guys as they roll in packs anyway)

[bertie 83]

If they do get to a length of 5" then I personally think 3 in a 55 is pushing boundaries for bio-load alone even if aggression is no issue. I would shoot for min 75, but 100+ will bring out the best in them, especially if they are active swimmers.

[daveho]

Really? Dispite 10x filtration???

[bertie 83]

Filtration does not replace useable water volume or swimming space. We aim for 10x turnover to provide adequate flow and to aid the bacteria in breaking down waste matter inside the filter, by passing the water through more often. Active puffers need larger tanks than inactive puffers so they can swim more easily. Also bear in mind gsp for example, they only get around an inch bigger than yours but a pair will often outgrow a 55g, and are much more at home in a 75g or bigger. Last but not least a properly decorated 55g puffer tank will only hold in the region of 30-40g, not nearly enough to house 3 5" puffers. Now don't get me wrong others may not agree, I want to house my fish comfortably and give myself a margin for error, I give my fish the best I can nothing less. You have obtained 3 somewhat rare in the trade puffers, give them the best and you will get much more back out of keeping them

[daveho]

Fair enough i understand where you are coming from and im genuinly trying to learn, im just a bit cinfused are you saying that puffers are messyer then say oscars? Whats a good rule of thumb as many people say to go for under an inch per gallon ( which is obviously crazy) but i can imagin these 3 guys qith there max tottal length of 15 inch could pollute a 55g, oh also ill post some pics of my tank id love some decor advice

[bertie 83]

Puffers are probably the messiest fish that can be kept, also their body mass is rediculous. The inch per gallon rule makes my blood boil, I would not personally keep even the most slender fish in these conditions. The more room they have the happier they are, the happier they are the better, they will be more entertaining to watch. More water also equals more stability which will mean your fish are healthier. We are all learning, any fish keeper who thinks they know it all should quit the hobby as there is always new things to learn etc. I hope I don't sound harsh as I am certainly not trying to be lol. We also require more pics as these beauties settle in lol.

[bertie 83]

Just to add a fahaka for example reaches about 16" or so, sometimes less and requires 120g min, I personally think 150-180g is more suitable for a; swimming space and b; stability. Stability is key to keeping any fish long lived and healthy, highly stocked tanks are not likely to remain stable long term.

[daveho]

Honestly i appriciate ur input. I personally wouldnt keep an oscar in a 55 again but that is more on the phyisical size of a 13" fish inside a 12" deep tank, im not to sure what makes me think these 3 are gonna be fine but based on what i have seen im sure i can keep the water quality up for them.

[bertie 83]

Your water tests will keep you in the loop, keep an eye on them. As rtr says upgrading tanks when needed is a good recipe for stunting fish. You seem sensible though so I am certain you will upgrade before needed if you need to at all. I am a little OCD, on most occasions I try to get them straight into their forever homes without multiple inbetween tanks. There is not too much info out there on these so please please keep us in the loop, as I have stated before we await many pics lmao.

[daveho]

i personally am not a fan uf upgrading when needed eather honestly ill keep an eye on tests as recomemnded, i personaly dont allow nitrates over 20ppm so water quality wont be an issue ( plus i have 3 spare fluval 405s and would like to give a nitrate filter a go) and ill post pics of the decor, i wasnt sure how to go with it so i just went with a heep of rock caves when i get the pics up tell me what you think, i dont wanna bore these guys but i also cant afford to displace too much water. also because these guys like to dig what do u think about increasing the substrate depth to say 1.5-2 inch to alow them to dig the way they would in the wild im just concerned about anarobic pockets building up in the substrate.

[daveho]

well as promised here are a few pics of the decor, id love some input like i said i really wasnt sure how to go with this but i think it looks pritty cool (and easy to clean)

[Pufferpunk]

Have you gotten an ID for them yet? Looks like the Tetractenos hamiltoni (Hamilton's toadfish).
According to Dr Ebert's book: grows to 15cm (6"), 200-400l (53g) tank size/specimen.

[daveho]

Not being rude but do u read posts prior to replying?