HELP, I don't know what my puffer is..

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tigers-jaw
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HELP, I don't know what my puffer is..

Post by tigers-jaw »

I am a new puffer owner. I bought my puffer at a local aquatic shop and I was told he is a MBU puffer. After having him for a week, I've noticed that after research he does not look completely like a MBU puffer. As for his care I keep him freshwater and 79 degree 6 gallon tank. Feed him plenty of snails, and he looks to be healthy. His patern and colors are different from MBU but his body style is that of a MBU and a Tetra type puffer that you can find at most pet stores. He has the personality of a puppy hes so excited and friendly. Regardless of whether he is a hybrid or mixed puffer I adore him either way. Please let me know if you guys know what he may be??
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Pufferpunk
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Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 11:06 am
Gender: Female
My Puffers: Filbert, the 12" T lineatus
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Mongo, the 4" A modestus
2 T biocellatus
C valentini
C coranata
C papuan
Also kept:
lorteti
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Location (country): USA, Greenville, SC
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Re: HELP, I don't know what my puffer is..

Post by Pufferpunk »

[welcome]
Your puffer is a M Turgidis. They are FW, very personable & will grow to about 4". Does not play well with others. Needs a 20-30g tank. What sized tank is it in? Is it cycled? Were you actually looking for a mbu?
You are getting sleepy... you only hear the sound of my voice... you must do water changes... water changes... water changes... water changes...

"The solution to pollution is dilution!"
tigers-jaw
Puffer Fry
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Oct 11, 2017 4:20 pm
Location (country): United States of America

Re: HELP, I don't know what my puffer is..

Post by tigers-jaw »

He is about 2" right now. In a 6 gallon tank. The tank is cycled. He was sold as a mbu so I've been caring for him as one.. but I knew he looked different. I planned on getting a bigger tank, but now I am glad that you recommend that. Since he was a gift I actually had no preference in what kind of puffer.
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Pufferpunk
Queen Admin
Posts: 32764
Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 11:06 am
Gender: Female
My Puffers: Filbert, the 12" T lineatus
Punkster, the 4" red T miurus
Mongo, the 4" A modestus
2 T biocellatus
C valentini
C coranata
C papuan
Also kept:
lorteti
DPs
suvattii
burrfish
T niphobles
Location (country): USA, Greenville, SC
Location: Chicago
Contact:

Re: HELP, I don't know what my puffer is..

Post by Pufferpunk »

I'm extremely relieved you didn't wind up with a mbu!
How did you cycle this tank?
You are getting sleepy... you only hear the sound of my voice... you must do water changes... water changes... water changes... water changes...

"The solution to pollution is dilution!"
tigers-jaw
Puffer Fry
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Oct 11, 2017 4:20 pm
Location (country): United States of America

Re: HELP, I don't know what my puffer is..

Post by tigers-jaw »

My tank came with all the cycling products when I first bought it. API step by step products. I use Tetra: easy balance plus with my weekly 25% water changes. I usually wait 3-4 hours after to test my water. I am relieved as well because those puffers get huge.
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Pufferpunk
Queen Admin
Posts: 32764
Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 11:06 am
Gender: Female
My Puffers: Filbert, the 12" T lineatus
Punkster, the 4" red T miurus
Mongo, the 4" A modestus
2 T biocellatus
C valentini
C coranata
C papuan
Also kept:
lorteti
DPs
suvattii
burrfish
T niphobles
Location (country): USA, Greenville, SC
Location: Chicago
Contact:

Re: HELP, I don't know what my puffer is..

Post by Pufferpunk »

What are your immediate plans for upgrading this fish? It's tank is already much too small. They also need a cave to hide out in.
You are getting sleepy... you only hear the sound of my voice... you must do water changes... water changes... water changes... water changes...

"The solution to pollution is dilution!"
tigers-jaw
Puffer Fry
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Oct 11, 2017 4:20 pm
Location (country): United States of America

Re: HELP, I don't know what my puffer is..

Post by tigers-jaw »

I’m going to get a larger tank as you described 20-30 gallons and get it set up with sand and plants something much more suited for him. Definitely cycled first because I know they’re really sensitive. Like I said he was a gift and until this forum I had no clue what he required due to misinformation from the fish store. I have had a hard time finding information on the internet at all. The store told me 6 gallons was suitable which is really upsetting.
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hadla
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Re: HELP, I don't know what my puffer is..

Post by hadla »

Yeah 6 gallons is too small... the cheapest thing to do is get a 29 gallon kit if you’re in the US or look on Craigslist for a reasonable used tank
Never trust big puffers. The fingers you save may be your own. -RTR
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hadla
Mbu Puffer
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Joined: Tue Nov 27, 2007 8:33 pm
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Re: HELP, I don't know what my puffer is..

Post by hadla »

Never trust big puffers. The fingers you save may be your own. -RTR
tigers-jaw
Puffer Fry
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Oct 11, 2017 4:20 pm
Location (country): United States of America

Re: HELP, I don't know what my puffer is..

Post by tigers-jaw »

Got a 20 gal tank today and set it up for cycling. Will post a picture in a few days!
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Pufferpunk
Queen Admin
Posts: 32764
Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 11:06 am
Gender: Female
My Puffers: Filbert, the 12" T lineatus
Punkster, the 4" red T miurus
Mongo, the 4" A modestus
2 T biocellatus
C valentini
C coranata
C papuan
Also kept:
lorteti
DPs
suvattii
burrfish
T niphobles
Location (country): USA, Greenville, SC
Location: Chicago
Contact:

Re: HELP, I don't know what my puffer is..

Post by Pufferpunk »

You can just move all the substrate/decor/filter media to the new tank & add Tetra Safestart to the filter, for an instant cycle.
You are getting sleepy... you only hear the sound of my voice... you must do water changes... water changes... water changes... water changes...

"The solution to pollution is dilution!"
tigers-jaw
Puffer Fry
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Oct 11, 2017 4:20 pm
Location (country): United States of America

Re: HELP, I don't know what my puffer is..

Post by tigers-jaw »

I bought a 20 gal tank is the entire bottle of safe start ok? The directions say so but I’m worried as to how long I should wait with it.
User avatar
Pufferpunk
Queen Admin
Posts: 32764
Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 11:06 am
Gender: Female
My Puffers: Filbert, the 12" T lineatus
Punkster, the 4" red T miurus
Mongo, the 4" A modestus
2 T biocellatus
C valentini
C coranata
C papuan
Also kept:
lorteti
DPs
suvattii
burrfish
T niphobles
Location (country): USA, Greenville, SC
Location: Chicago
Contact:

Re: HELP, I don't know what my puffer is..

Post by Pufferpunk »

I would just add 20ml, that's for 20g. Shake well & add to the filter.
You are getting sleepy... you only hear the sound of my voice... you must do water changes... water changes... water changes... water changes...

"The solution to pollution is dilution!"
tigers-jaw
Puffer Fry
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Oct 11, 2017 4:20 pm
Location (country): United States of America

Re: HELP, I don't know what my puffer is..

Post by tigers-jaw »

I’ve done so thank you for all the advice. How soon should I move my puffer in and is he fine to go without floating..? Temperature is the same.
User avatar
Pufferpunk
Queen Admin
Posts: 32764
Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 11:06 am
Gender: Female
My Puffers: Filbert, the 12" T lineatus
Punkster, the 4" red T miurus
Mongo, the 4" A modestus
2 T biocellatus
C valentini
C coranata
C papuan
Also kept:
lorteti
DPs
suvattii
burrfish
T niphobles
Location (country): USA, Greenville, SC
Location: Chicago
Contact:

Re: HELP, I don't know what my puffer is..

Post by Pufferpunk »

Put him in there now, with the Safestart.
You are getting sleepy... you only hear the sound of my voice... you must do water changes... water changes... water changes... water changes...

"The solution to pollution is dilution!"
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