The Puffer Forum

I think that posting pictures without sense of scale (square meterage compared to fish and human size if you are posting pictures of human habitation) isn't very helpful and could be construed as bullying (probably too strong a word but I couldn't think of another) the OP into buying a larger tank than he/she can maybe afford. This site gives a minimum tank size recommendation for a reason and it is considered that for a relatively happy life a 15(US)G tank is adequate.

If you look at any fishkeeping website or magazine then the 1st thing that they say is that you should buy as big a tank as you can because the larger tanks are easier to keep stable in terms of water conditions. Even a 600litre tank is miniscule compared to the lakes, rivers and oceans that our fish come from.

We would all love to live in a Palace but unfortunately we can't all afford to and we do the best we can to make our smaller homes look and feel as comfortable as possible and we should do the same for our fish.

Iliveinazoo wrote:I think that posting pictures without sense of scale (square meterage compared to fish and human size if you are posting pictures of human habitation) isn't very helpful and could be construed as bullying (probably too strong a word but I couldn't think of another)...

I think my analogy was helpful and I also added a thumbs up and "take care and good luck" because I didn't want seem "bullying". And in my opinion both the pictures I chose were scaled down to their captive habitats compared to their natural habitats and my point was that I would rather be kept for the rest of my life in a "suite" as apposed to a "jail cell" as opposed to the "great wide open" that I am free to come and go as I please now. My point also is that these beautiful fish that we keep should be given adequate room to exercise and explore...And live out their entire lives. Doesen't this F8 look happier in a larger 46g as opposed to a 15g. http://www.youtube.com/user/borderlinea ... N5M5b4GDl4

Not trying to be argumentative but I am trying to get my point across.


Take care.

Iliveinazoo wrote:I think that posting pictures without sense of scale (square meterage compared to fish and human size if you are posting pictures of human habitation) isn't very helpful and could be construed as bullying (probably too strong a word but I couldn't think of another) the OP into buying a larger tank than he/she can maybe afford. This site gives a minimum tank size recommendation for a reason and it is considered that for a relatively happy life a 15(US)G tank is adequate.

If you look at any fishkeeping website or magazine then the 1st thing that they say is that you should buy as big a tank as you can because the larger tanks are easier to keep stable in terms of water conditions. Even a 600litre tank is miniscule compared to the lakes, rivers and oceans that our fish come from.

We would all love to live in a Palace but unfortunately we can't all afford to and we do the best we can to make our smaller homes look and feel as comfortable as possible and we should do the same for our fish.

I agree--of course we can't house our fish in lake-sized enclosements. Most of us wouldn't keep fish if this were the case.

I agree with JRC, and a 30 or 40G tank is hardly lake size! 30G tanks are relatively cheap, especially on sites like craigslist. You wouldn't keep your dog in a kennel it's entire life. Althought a 6ft X 6ft kennel is liveable, the dog would do much better having the entire back yard.

I'm just Sayin!

I.Puff.Too wrote:I agree with JRC, and a 30 or 40G tank is hardly lake size! 30G tanks are relatively cheap, especially on sites like craigslist. You wouldn't keep your dog in a kennel it's entire life. Althought a 6ft X 6ft kennel is liveable, the dog would do much better having the entire back yard.

I'm just Sayin!

Yah but at the same time, a dog would like a whole forest better than some back yard. My point? We cannot replicate the size of environment that almost any captive animal REALLY wants. I say, yes the bigger the better, but at what point do you stop.

GSL, you stop within in reason of course. I don't think a 30G tank is that unreasonable, do you?

actually I am in a spot where I can get a 40 gallon for free. might do it.

A 40g sounds great. Does it have accessories too?

yes but they are out of date. I would have to buy all new equipment.

Wouldn't you have to buy stuff for a 30 as well. Does the 40g by chance have a stand and canopy/light? Hopefully it does.

stand yes light yes but needs new bulbs.

I've seen in other forumns the mininimum size to be 10 gallons

Duncan wrote:I've seen in other forumns the mininimum size to be 10 gallons

10 gallons is suitable for a young/baby figure 8 for quarantine/hospital tank only.
That's just too small for a puffer 3"+ puffer. I'm not sure why that size was suggested, but that volume if water is just not suitable. There is lots of misinformation on the net unfortunately.

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Sadly too is that people will disregard 25 other sites/forums saying that a 15g is minimum only to side with the one site that says 10g because it suits their wants.

Yes, many folks go with what they want to hear, not what's best for the fish.
RTR did a decade long study on the best environment for F8s & determined a minimum of 15g & a SG of 1.005 was best. He kept one for >18 years! Do other sites have that???