Stunting fish

[Radioactive]

Hi Everyone,

Let me first say that I trust this community as I have never been pushed in the wrong direction from any members here. To give everyone an update my 29g turned into a full marine tank with sump (rehomed my F8) and I have recently purchased 2 50gallon breeders. They are set up already in my living room and one was turned into a large sump/refugium. My question is in regards to puffer growth and specifically dogface puffers. Putting water quality asside and speaking strictly swimming room only how long can I house a 2 inch dogface in a 50 DT. Before everyone starts trying to make me aware of how big they get I can tell you I am already aware.

The dogface will also be housed with a 2 inch dragon wrasse and I will target feed the puffer if need be. I can absolutely 100% gaurentee that these fish will be moved into a 90 gallon or larger within 8-12 months if not sooner. My concern is that I do not want to stunt my fish. Please keep in mind that these fish will be around 2 inches each (at time of purchase). I completely understand this is not best practice and most will frown upon what I am trying to do. I am looking for how big these fish will grow in that timeframe. Or at least what the dogface will grow to in that timeframe. The wrasse is a highly active swimmer but I really dont see the concerns of keeping (2) two inch fish in a 36x18x19 tank.

Also keep in mind that the 50 breeder has a bigger footprint then the 55. I know a valentini or GSP would be ok for this tank long term but my heart is set on the dogface. Thanks for reading and any input you can provide as it is truly appreciated.

[bertie 83]

We do frown upon keeping fish in small tanks long term, however you have done your research and know where you are heading. I cannot see anyone being upset with you for that. I would however say that 8mths will be pushing your luck a bit as the larger species of puffer can grow as much as 1" a month. If you can bring your plans forward it will certainly benefit the fish long term. Stunting has many factors, space is only 1 of them, proper feeding, exercise ability in flow etc can all affect this

[Radioactive]

Thank you for the response. The tank will have good flow and overfeeding will be non existent even with the constant begging I promise .The next tank upgrade will be in may/june for my birthday. What I was thinking in my head since every fish grows at different rates was that if these fish hit 5 inches in length before my next tank upgrade then I will just be forced to bite the bullet and get my present sooner lol. Would you say the 5 inch mark is about right? Thanks again

[defool89]

In my opnion just play it by ear like you're doing already. It be nice to know how fast it grows. I'm pretty sure you're going to be responsible and not torture the poor fish. If hes a lazy bum at 5 inches he wouldnt need as much room for the time being as a hyper dog face. Dog face pufferd are lazy anyways so just observe and be proactive not reactive is my advise.

[RTR]

I am ultra-conservative on tanks and sizing for fish. I've been in this hobby a very long time, and the older I get, the larger my tank allowances per fish are. Whenever possible I move fish from QT to their permanent home. If not, any fast-growing fish will need tank size upgrading about every 3 months. As it takes longer to stabilize a than that, upgrading sizes to me is impractical as it is too much hassle for such a short term. I will admit that it took me a long time to learn that, but it does mean that my fish do tend to get to full adult size. It bothers me that so few captive fish reach full size in captivity. That is one of the commonest issues seen in long-term fish care.

[Radioactive]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. It seems I may be pushing it a little with this size tank even if its temporary. Im also afraid of ordering a fish thats 2 inches and end up getting one thats 3-4 inches. I guess its back to the drawing board which is driving me nuts. I never thought selecting my marine fish would take more time then building my stand,sump,weir,overflow, etc etc. I literally have the sand in and am filling up the 50G DT and 50G sump with rodi right this moment. All my live rock (60lbs) is ready to come over from my 29g and that tanks sand will become my DSB in my refugium.

How many of the tobys/sharp nosed puffers would I be able to keep in a 50 breeder? I will start researching more for the smaller species but would like to attempt maybe getting 3 and seeing if I can get some Barry White music playing . That we know of has anyone successfully bred any of these little guys? Has anyone kept 3 of the smaller species in a tank with simmilar size? Thanks again

[Pufferpunk]

I wouldn't keep more then 2 together in that tank, with lots of hiding places (2lbs/g LR).
They haven't been bred in captivity, as far as I know.

[Radioactive]

Thanks Pufferpunk. Do you say no more then 2 because its not enough territory and will cause fights or because its simply not enough room for 3 and will cause stunting? Or simply all of the above? If I did keep a Papuan Toby and a Valenti would I still be able to do some Gobies or other small fish? Thanks again and sorry to be a PITA.

[Pufferpunk]

All of the above. Is there a sump involved here?

[Radioactive]

Ok thanks. Yes I have a 50 g sump to go along with the 50G display tank. 12 inches are dedicated to mechanical and skimmer then an 18x18 refugium then rest is return area. I was thinking of doing a DSB in the fuge with some chaeto on top. Im flowing about 900 gph from my return pump but thats without the 4 ft of head.

[Radioactive]

Another concern of mine is that one of the sharpnose species may be too timid. To put it nicely I would like to drop a ghost shrimp in and watch it disapear within a few seconds and I dont think the Tobys are like that. Please correct me if I am wrong. I am looking for more the agression of a GSP or F8 but in a a different fish thats full marine. Having red Snakeheads as my first fish almost 20 years ago has made me love predator species.

[Pufferpunk]

Get a GSP then!

[Radioactive]

Anything else I can get? While GSP's are cool im looking for something a little more exotic looking. I hope that doesnt offend any GSP owners they are just not what I am looking for. I really hope I can find the right puffer this tank. They have the best personalitys of any fish.

[defool89]

No offense taken. Gsp are tiny snd cute but not as exotic looking as a dog face or stars and stripes or porky but lets not forget parameters due to infatuation over these critters which I'm sure youll do the right thing. 1 of any exotic puffer should be enough to satisfy your thirst for responsibility of another creature. They may be alone but not lonely.

[Pufferpunk]

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