GSP, F8 or a SAP which would be better for my water parameters? Any tips on lowering pH naturally too?

[JustSalty]

I have been doing some research into different species of puffer fish and I wanted to inquire with others that own the SAPs,GSP or F8s before I actually special order a puffer from a dealer….

I prefer a freshwater puffer community fish since I wanted to get some other types of compatible fish (somekind of goby or bottomdeweller to clean up food etc.). However, the GSP and F8 puffers are easier to come by and aren’t wild caught. I am not sure if that may equal less stress, disease and parasites or not…

Whatever Puffer I go with, would have to do well with a little higher PH and harder water since my tank is ≈8.3. I haven’t done a big water change or cleaning since it’s a newer cycled tank (about 8 weeks old). I’ve been just topping the water off with my well water or my RO water and cleaning off filters etc. So, I’m not sure if that is why it is higher than my well water… My well water’s PH is lower say around ≈7.3 I’m not very savvy when it comes to water chemistry.

I have thrown in palm leaves, loquat and oak leaves in hopes to naturally lower the pH. I was also talked into purchasing, but have not used yet, Seachem’s neutral regulator. I prefer a natural approach if possible or just purchase fish that can handle higher Ph levels… I don’t want to chase the PH around…

My last tank was a full marine and I truly miss having it but mixing the salt was breaking my back and neck!

If a SAP would work with my water parameters What medication’s would you guys recommend having on hand? I do have a quarantine tank, that is ready to go as well.

The GSP and F8s are also sold as freshwater fish locally… So, I could just gradually adjust my whole 75 gallon setup to a brackish setup… but my freshwater plants probably wouldn’t make the transition… idk

Any kind words of wisdom or helpful tips in helping me deciding species to go with considering my water parameters? Please see pictures… Please note that I am on well water and located in Southern USA.

[Pufferpunk]

Your water is perfect for the F8! They live in very hard, high pH FRESHWATER in the wild. I would think you wouldn't even need to add salt. I highly doubt the GSPs/F8s you find are not wild-caught. They are extremely difficult to breed in captivity.
Of the fish you mention, F8s can get along with many other BW fish. Here's a good article full of ideas.
https://badmanstropicalfish.com/brackish-aquarium/
library/puffers-in-focus/fig8/

[JustSalty]

So with the F8 or green spotted puffers, I wouldn’t need to add salt to my water? I always thought they should be converted.

They were second on my list from Saps but are even harder to find at least where I live. Years ago I would see them sold everywhere!

So the South American puffers wouldn’t work then?

[Pufferpunk]

Only the F8s live in very hard water. GSPs prefer marine as adults. Tank mates are more hit-or-miss with them.

[JustSalty]

Thanks again for your suggestions @pufferpunk
Hopefully this little guy will adjust well. Taking our time drip acclimating… is it normal for him to be in such a low pH though? that was what he was shipped in…

[Pufferpunk]

He looks pretty good. IDK how long he was in the bag but urine lowers the pH pretty drastically.

[JustSalty]

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That is good to know, I need to brush up on my water chemistry. I could get very nerdy over that topic! Haha

His shipping bag levels were all wonky… But, with 8-9 hours of drip acclimating… he seems to be doing well in his QT tank… he must have had the munchies last night…. All his snacks are missing.

Pet store sold us frozen brine shrimp and he doesn’t even give a hoot. He is doing some glass surfing so hopefully a piece of shrimp will distract him. Hopefully, we won’t have to battle with any kind of parasite or disease…

Once again, I appreciate this forum and your help @pufferpunk and those articles were very helpful and well written.

[Pufferpunk]

I mostly keep this website for the very valuable Library of articles stored here!

[JustSalty]

I didn’t even realize the FB page was affiliated with this website. Haha

Good information for sure!