A Bit Confused -- New Tank Setup for 2 Figure8 Puffers

[jnheinz]

Hi, I am rather new to the puffer scene. However, I have been researching and reading for tens of hours on end. I have a 37g freshwater planted community tank (established, running 2-3 months), a 55g (no fish, filtered, CO2, heated, etc), heavily planted, Fluorite substrate, driftwood, freshwater tank, and a 75g empty laying on the floor that I just bought for more expansion.

The problem I have lies within my love for planted tanks and my newly found love, the puffer.

The 55g was a disaster to setup, the Fluorite took a decent 5-7 days to totally clear up. I took the old filters and Biowheel (Both are Emperors, 280 & 400), some plants, from the 37g to begin the cycling process. I have one of those Aquarial (?) Pharmaceuticals testing kits.. The 37g and 55g seem to match as far as Nitrate/Ammonia/pH .. Nitrates are in the low range (I can't tell if it's anywhere from 0-10.. it's a very light blue). There seems to be no way to tell with this kit if its 2 or 5 or 8. Ammonia, same deal. It appears to be almost ready for fish.. It's been cycling with the old filter/Biowheel (And the product "Cycle") for about 2 weeks now. Temp is 78degrees. pH 7.6, pretty hard tap water.

Here is the problem, I have talked to the best LFS in the Minneapolis/St Paul area, they say the F8 puffer will be fine in FW for 3-5 months or so, but at that point.. I will need to move them. I have no problem with that. I planned to make the 75g possibly full marine. They have F8's at the LFS in full marine. The adaptation process would be quite rough from full marine to FW, as I may have to ask them to put them in a brackish tank for a week or so.

Sorry for the long post, but I'm trying to include my interests. I want a F8 puffer or two, but Oh boy.. I would hate to have to move that fluorite into the 75g and re-cycle the 55g with new substrate. I bought this Fluorite substrate specifically for the purpose of having very fancy plants.. Would hate to see it "go to waste" in a brackish tank.

Suggestions? Don't tell me to go read something on WWM or here, I've probably read it all, I have lots of time at work to surf between my calls at an IT service desk

Just looking to see what others would do in this scenario.

[kass]

Figure 8s do best in low brackish conditions at around 1.005, so full marine is just an extra hassle for them.

What I personally would do is go with a school of South American Puffers. They get to be the same size as F8s and are quite active and peaceful for puffers.

[jnheinz]

I saw this one, known as the "Amazon"? Colomesus asellus. Might be a tough one (or two, three?) to pickup around here. One thing I can't seem to find a definitive answer on, will puffers mow down plants? It seems the general consensus is not really, couldn't be any worse than this molly I have.

[kass]

I have no experience with SAPs. But I think it really depends on the individual puffer. One of my puffers takes occasional bites out of plants but doesn't outrigth destroy them.

[jnheinz]

Disregard my comment about the nitrates/ammonia, I re-reviewed the cards as I come home for lunch.. My nitrate in the 55g is less than 0.25ppm. Ammonia is also right there. So ideally, it is ready for fish.

My intent is 1 planted tank, and 1 "To Be Determined" tank. I'd like the puffers to go in the planted tank, so they have to be pretty FW-based. Fahaka's and Mbu's are too much of the tank-buster type for my personal taste.

[jnheinz]

Thanks for your comments, kass. This is a species I may have to bring up to the LFS, they could probably obtain some. I'm not a big fan of fish through the mail system. You can't see them beforehand.

Any other comments or suggestions? I will have to read up on south american puffers, I saw that synonym on the forums but wasn't sure what it stood for, so I skipped over those posts.

[kass]

Pretty much all FW puffers enjoy a highly planted/decorated tank, so it really depends what you like.

[Myaj]

So are you reading ammonia at all? If you are, the tank is not ready for fish, especially puffers.

You can do a planted tank with the low brackish levels Figure 8's need, but the plants are more limited and will grow slower. It is something I'd like to try one day, the the tank planted and established with the right types of plants (there is a sticky somewhere), get them growing well, then slowly, slowly start changing the tank over to brackish. Ever so slowly so the plants can adapt. Once its brackish I'd add the Figure 8's.

SAP's are great little guys too, and love planted tanks, but read up on their teeth isues. You'll most likely have to do some manual teeth trimming.

And I've never seen a puffer take a bite out of any of my plants.

[jnheinz]

Aquarium Pharmaceuticals "Master Test Kit" is what I use. There is no definitive way to tell a 0.00 besides a "light" shade of the color defined for 0.05ppm I believe.

I actually have 10gal snail tank setup with 6 snails in it.. Waiting for them to multiply. I don't think their teeth should be an issue if I choose the SAP as my puffer of choice.

Any other comments?

[Apocalyptictoast]

Teeth will definitely be an issue with south american puffers. Even with snails daily, you'l probably have to trim their teeth every 6 months or so.