Freshwater Puffer Help

[memphis]

Hey puffer fans,

I recently set up a 20 gallon tank but am looking to move to a 55 gallon in the next few months. I owned a few green spotted puffers years ago and learned quickly that this is definitely my favorite fish. However, I have a few questions in regards to freshwater puffers before I start getting the best possible environment ready for this new guy.

So here goes, I've laid out my questions in this [hopefully] brief list:

• 1. Ideally, I would like to get a puffer(s) in my 20 gallon long tank. Which species could I put in here and how many? Also, what is the biggest puffer I could put in here by itself?
  
  2. When I upgrade to a 50 gallon, the same question basically applies: What is the biggest size puffer that could fit in here long-term - and how many?
  
  3. I'm really into the idea of owning just one big puffer fish that dominates his own space/tank - what are the biggest puffers I could go with in terms of these two sized tanks (20 and 50/55 gal)?
  
  4. I'm also a bit curious on filters, what is the ideal setup for a puffer tank of these sizes and species? I currently use 100% sponge filters, but realize this is not going to cut it for a puffer - totally ok, just want to know what I should go with here.

Sorry if I disturb anyone with the newbie questions, I am just very curious as to my limitations for each tank. Unfortunately, I'd love to go way bigger on my aquarium, but I simply dont have the room for anything over 55 gallons at this point. I also don't have a crazy budget, but I am willing to do what it takes to keep one living as long as I, myself, am living. Keep in mind, I would like the possibility of using low light live plants if possible; after seeing live plants, I cannot really tank the plastic stuff serious.

Thanks for all the help everyone, I really appreciate it and am very excited (although going about it very slowly until I can get conditions extremely perfect) to get some puffers going again. I'll be sure to ask more as I learn more

[Jinty]

I'm sure someone will be able to help soon.

[DMD123]

Welcome to the forum!

I love my hairy puffer. I have him in a 40B with an AC110 filter. I think this is a good footprint and filter combo for lurker types of puffers like mine. I think a good solo puffer for you would be one of the following: Hairy, Congo, Palembang, or Arrowhead.

A good place to start is by researching here: ug.php/v/PufferPedia/Freshwater/

Do your research first and make sure you have a fully cycled tank for your new puffer. Look forward to pictures when you get one.