The Puffer Forum

I've been in this hobby for a very long time (>30 years). I guess I just look at the fish & know it's time to upgrade. From 15-125g took about 1 1/2 years.

Pufferpunk wrote:I've been in this hobby for a very long time (>30 years). I guess I just look at the fish & know it's time to upgrade. From 15-125g took about 1 1/2 years.

Care to elaborate? Assuming that you're still just human, there should be some signs that you look for that I, a beginner, can use?

I'm not sure what you're looking for... I see that the fish looks to be outgrowing the tank & I know I've got to get him into a larger one before he gets uncomfortable. Maybe try a search on stunting here, for other's responses.

I would say the water quality is what you should be watching for signs to upgrade , not the fish. I think if you are diligent in testing your water that's really where the most important signs are that you need a bigger tank. While I think all of the parameters are important the one you need to focus on is nitrate. Weekly water changes of 50 percent of your tanks volume are the minimum. The nitrate test should be done at least every 5-7 days, and do not wait to test until right after your water change, do it in the middle of your change schedule, so if you change water every 7th day test on the 3rd or 4th day. I like my nitrates at 5ppm (ppm=parts per million) or less, but I would say when your readings are reaching 10ppm and you can't get them lower (even when if you test right after a change) its time to get the bigger tank. I would also recommend changing the water twice a week at that point till that big tank is good to go. Buying the nitrate test and sticking to a schedule is the way in my opinion and I wouldn't tell you to do anything I don't practice myself.

Spot on advise!

Makes me want to go test my tank since I haven't done so since adding my "dragoon gooby", as Dadof4 likes to call his.