The Puffer Forum

Substrate is approx. 2 inches deep he has a nice figure not skinny and not fat. The belly is flat along the body in between feedings not concave or sticking out and I haven't seen his feces lately I think he is shy wont go when people are watching

Good to hear he's perking up a bit.

A 46 gallon tank is kind of small for that much bio-load, and the filter is probably struggling to keep up and get properly established.

For long term stability and easier maintenance I'd recommend getting a larger tank and some better filtration. Maybe a canister filter in addition to the HOB.

How much & how often do you do water changes?

I was doing 50 percent every 2 weeks until the bloom now I'm doing 50 percent about every three days. I am going to try everyday to get rid of the bloom I would have done it before but i thought I was changing to frequently. Will the puffer the pleco and snail be to much bioload the barbs are now in my planted tank and the clams can be moved there but the snail and pleco are to big for that tank.

i think 50 percent every 3 days is a bit much stress on the tank. correct me if im wrong.

i usually get algae blooms in newly set up tanks, mostly I just ride it out. its a pain, but eventually the system will stabilize.

50% every 3 days isn't too much in a potential illness or water quality problem situation. 50% per week is the recommended anyway.

Pleco's and apple snails can be pretty big waste producers on their own. Especially large ones. Removing the other fish was a good idea.

Seriously consider getting an additional filter (like a canister) to help stabilize the tank and keep up with regular water changes and you should be ok.

Your puffer lives w/snails & clams? I can't believe there is a nicer puffer than Filbert! I finally had to move my 7" Electric Blue JD out of his tank, cause all his fins are chewed up. So far, he's left all his other tank mates alone (except for a few fin bites). I don't know why he picks on that one.