Questions: Pea Puffer

[WendyKL]

Hi,

I brought home a pea puffer two days ago. I was told that they like brackish water but can be converted to freshwater. Presently the puffer is in brackish water because that was what he was in at the store. I am reading that they do better in freshwater - is this true?

Also - if I switch over to freshwater - what is the best way to do this?

I have live black worms, live daphnia, snails, frozen bloodworm and frozen daphnia and brine shrimp. I am NOT very impressed by his (non) desire to eat - he's gone after a few live daphnia and he's looked at a few of the other foods I have offered but he is certainly not the "pig" that everyone seems to talk about.

He has his own three gallon tank at present with a mix of live and fake plants - gravel substrate. Also a gently filter and heater (right around 80).

Thanks so much - in advance.

[Pufferpunk]

I killed my 1st 3 dwarf puffers by thinking the same thing! How much salt is in there? Was it cycled as a BW tank?
I'd just do a 90% WC & make it FW.
library/puffers-in-focus/dwarfpuffercare/

[Pufftastic]

Yes, as PP said, convert to freshwater ASAP!

I wouldn't worry about the appetite too much yet, as you've only had him a couple days. Sometimes these little puffs need a period of adjustment. Live blackworms are going to be your best bet food-wise, once he's settled in. Never seen a healthy, happy DP refuse those.

Keep a careful eye on water parameters, as your 3 gallon is definitely on the small side for one of these fish. They eat lots and produce substantial waste. Watch that ammonia! Big, regular water changes will be your best friend.