Changing substrate for SAPs

[New2puffs]

Ive had Harold and Mikey for about 6 months. They are in a 20 gallon tank by themselves. Its live planted with driftwood and rockformations with caves. I have gravel in their tank but am going to switch to eco complete. Any puffer parents ever use this with their lil guys? I kind of want to do the substrate exchange with them in the tank. I think it will be the easiest and least stressfull for all of us. Any thoughts on this?

[bertie 83]

I have changed substrate with the critters in the tank before. To be honest I don't think in a 20g it will be easy with 2 fast skittish and competant jumpers. I would either drain most the water into a tub and put them there whilst the deed is done. Or most likely use it as a very good excuse for a new tank lol. Consider that it will be stressful for the fish either way.

[New2puffs]

Bertie, i was kinda im denial but knew i would most likely have to move em. Also they bite hahaha. Just lil nips. They get super excited when they see me coming cause they know good things r coming. I have 4 tanks already and fixing to cept up a fifth. Im pretty sure my better half would kill me if i told him i needed ANOTHER tank lol. I will move them and the plants and filter to a five gallon bucket and change it that way. I

[bertie 83]

Those little nips can take chunks from you, even small puffers are capable of causing considerable damage so please be careful. It would certainly be wise to move them out whilst you sort it

[New2puffs]

I feed the with skewers. They have never bit me hard, but i really dont wanna give them the chance lol. I ordered the eco complete. I have a feeling im gonna end up loving it and want to change my 75 gallon to it. Sigh... Live and learn. On another note, i feed mikey and harold ramshorns and pond snails as about 90% of their diet, frozen treats such as bloodworms, freshwater frenzy, brine shrimp and spirulina, and just recently began putting shrimp on a skewer. Any other feeding ideas?

[bertie 83]

Just stick mainly to hard foods, once they suds you will give regular soft foods they will rarely work for the hard stuff. Keep around 95% of their diet very crunchy or regular dentistry will be needed. Do yours not glass surf in a 20? I had to upgrade mine for sanity reasons, mine and the fishes lol

[RTR]

+1 to bertie's comments, but they really do need a larger tank. It is going to be very hard for them to get the exercise they need in that tank.

[Pufferpunk]

They also prefer to be in groups of 3 or more: library/puffers-in-focus/sap/

[New2puffs]

They glass surf at times, but they spend a lot of time hunting for nonexistant snails. They like to snoop around in the driftwood and rock formations too. I have dense vegetation at the bottom of the tanks and lots of open space at the top for swimming. I made a mistake when i bought them thinking my tank was a 30 gallon and only later realized it was 20 i would not have gotten them had i known my tank was only 20 ( i bought it from someone and was told it was 30). Now its too late to take them back. I would be willing to rehome them if anyone is looking for SAPs, as i do not want them to suffer, but i also feel they are better off with me than many others. I do care about their well being and try very hard to meet all their needs. Upgrading tanks is not an option for me though as my husband would kill me. They appear very healthy. Have great appetites, tummies are brilliant white, they are active and interactive. I keep their water prestine. Do you truly think i am doing these guys harm with a 20 gallon? I am not being a jerk, i am truly asking your opinion. I dont believe they are gonna grow anymore.

[New2puffs]

Also with i have a marineland penguin 250 filter to give then a good flow and current. They like to play in it too