Mbu Advice

[Gabriel Oak]

Hello all, Just registered after lots of research into a Mbu I've got one and am pretty much on top of basic requirements - but not had a puffer before.

I've a large tank 60 x 2.5 x 2' but planning to upgrade soon once the little man gets a bit bigger - hes only 2-3" now.

I'm not used to fish that lay about and are lazy - I've read that all puffers are totally different - some active and some couch potatoes.

I've only had mine for 24 + hours now and want to make sure I can help him settle in.

Also, how long do Mbu live - can't find an answer anywhere!

finally - He currently has cloudy eyes - like a the reflection of oil on water - the rainbow hue. I've read this is poor water quality (lfs i assume) - how can I help treat this, how long should I expect it to clear and what causes it?

I've tested everything and all is within parameters 0pp nitrate/nitrite and good filtration. He's been cleaning out all the trumpet snail I had - pretty much all of them in 24 hours! So I know feeding is a good sign.

Any advice, tips, things to watch for would be cool. I've tried searching on the forum but not managed to find what I need (but probably not looked in the right place)

Cheers

[Boxermom]

You should upgrade long before he gets bigger. Fish can be stunted much earlier than they outgrow a tank and it shortens their lifespan and their health will suffer. Get him into a 1000 gallon as soon as possible.

Puffers should not be fed trumpet snails, as their shells are too hard and can break their teeth. Pretty much any other type of snail is fine, just not trumpets.

Lifespan, if properly cared for, can exceed 10 years.

I presume you cycled your tank before he was added and you properly acclimated him?

[Gabriel Oak]

Hi Boxer - cheers for the reply
yep, it's been running for 6 months now.

That's the thing the trumpets were in there but he dug them out and crushed everyone of them - I'm still feeding normally but think he decided on snacks!

Yep , I will make sure I upgrade way before hand. Over the years Ive unfortunatley learnt from mistakes and want to see no more deaths!! I think the basic cycle should be hammered in - a few years ago i never fully understood the waste cycle and only worked on water changes without realising why.

[The Fisherman]

welcome to TPF!

how big is the tank he is in now? (in gallons) im not good at calculating measurements to gallons

[Gabriel Oak]

112 gallons
400L

I think - I'm not too hot myslf

[Boxermom]

60x24x30 is about 187 gallons according to one calculation I used.
http://www.tropicalresources.net/phpBB2 ... ocking.htm

[RTR]

The iridescence is normal in puffers - that is not at all the same as cloudy eyes. It is a light/glare control measure and is full normal..

My T. mbu was quite active. But newly introdiced puffers tend to be shy and inert until settled in.

I'd expect an mbu to make 15-20+ years. Mine did not, he jumped out (open tank) in his 12th year with me. He showed no signs of aging at all.

[Pufferpunk]

That tank size sounds fine for a good while but they do grow fast. Glad you plan on upgrading. Be sure to read the article in this forum about them.

[Gabriel Oak]

cool thanks pufferpunk. couple of other questions...

Hes/shes still very chilled out and lazy - the times i see him/her at least for a couple of hours in the evening. still hoping its acclimitising to the new home.

what should I do with regard to water current? I've previously had it so that all debris is shifted and plants are sway, but can see the puffer isn't built for strong currents. Would I be better putting another filter on (doubleing up) and losing the current do you think?

[Phaedrus]

Current is fine, as long as you have areas where they can rest without having to fight the current.

[Gabriel Oak]

great - the current isn't that strong. I think it must be lazy/recuperation.

I can't wait till he gets a but more settled - not seen much in the way of personality at all jut yet - must be patient