The Puffer Forum

PufferGhoti wrote:

PufferDek wrote: I originally started out wanting a small set up for the kids bedroom.....55g must be about 48" long?

Yes 4foot, but around 12 inches deep, so quite versatile as not a large foot print, we have our south American puffers in one with a high flow stream power heads, another is the Brackish setup and the third a boxfish marine...

Can't recall if it was a 36" or 48" I had for my Severum. I remember it being easy to manage, but feel I should probably step up to it. I will have space in the basement for a large aquarium, I should finish the reno this summer, think I should manage something smaller first though, as tempting as it is, especially if I see a bang up deal on Kijiji.

PufferDek wrote:

PufferGhoti wrote:

PufferDek wrote: I originally started out wanting a small set up for the kids bedroom.....55g must be about 48" long?

Yes 4foot, but around 12 inches deep, so quite versatile as not a large foot print, we have our south American puffers in one with a high flow stream power heads, another is the Brackish setup and the third a boxfish marine...

Can't recall if it was a 36" or 48" I had for my Severum. I remember it being easy to manage, but feel I should probably step up to it. I will have space in the basement for a large aquarium, I should finish the reno this summer, think I should manage something smaller first though, as tempting as it is, especially if I see a bang up deal on Kijiji.

The advantage of larger tanks is the stability, we seem to have had more "incidents" with smaller tanks but it depends on what you keep, puffers are a heavy bio-load for their size so you need to do frequent water changes to avoid nitrate build up. Having said that we have a great little tank around 25 gallons or less with a red tailed puffer (C irrubesco) and 17 neons and an ancistrus and one otto to keep the algae down as its gets a lot of direct sun. It has filtration on it for around 60gallons as per manufacturer. Over filter with puffers but water changes get the nitrates down easiest although heavy planting helps but if you get the plants wrong it can actually add to the problem...


ug.php/v/PufferPedia/Freshwater/C_Irrubesco/

I'd love a large aquarium again. I think I might be a while away from that though. Quite like the idea of experimenting with a fishless medium sized tank for a while.

Incidently, in regards to rocks, what types would you guys recommend for non-marine set-ups?

Anyone know of a rock guide?

PufferGhoti wrote: Personally I would hold out for at least a 55gal if you have space, we have a couple of them paid around $110 with Fluval 4 canister and lights, cover stand. As I say in month or so a lot goes on the market as people change apartments and do not want to drag the stuff with them. Picked up a saltwater set-up 125gal around that time with overflow and sump, home made skimmer and hood and stand for $150.... Now its our reef tank... the upgrades cost a whole lot more though..

It's great to not be in a hurry. You can find the best deals on CraigsList and the like. No more than 1/5th the new price.

Best deal I ever got:
1+ year old 75g w/stand
Light with 3-T8 tubes and glass canopies
2 Fluval 404 canisters with all extra parts some duplicates
Jager 250w heater
Python plus extension
meds/chems/lots of little stuff/things I forget

$220 I couldn't believe it's condition and couldn't move into my van fast enough. LOL


OP, take your time and get the most optimal size you have room for.

JRC3 wrote:

PufferGhoti wrote: Personally I would hold out for at least a 55gal if you have space, we have a couple of them paid around $110 with Fluval 4 canister and lights, cover stand. As I say in month or so a lot goes on the market as people change apartments and do not want to drag the stuff with them. Picked up a saltwater set-up 125gal around that time with overflow and sump, home made skimmer and hood and stand for $150.... Now its our reef tank... the upgrades cost a whole lot more though..

It's great to not be in a hurry. You can find the best deals on CraigsList and the like. No more than 1/5th the new price.

Best deal I ever got:
1+ year old 75g w/stand
Light with 3-T8 tubes and glass canopies
2 Fluval 404 canisters with all extra parts some duplicates
Jager 250w heater
Python plus extension
meds/chems/lots of little stuff/things I forget

$220 I couldn't believe it's condition and couldn't move into my van fast enough. LOL


OP, take your time and get the most optimal size you have room for.

That is absolutely incredible.

In Quebec, there is a law that requires property leases to run from June 1st to June 1st. The first day of June is known as moving day, its a bit of a nightmare. Hence, good deals on things that can't be easily moved such as aquariums around this time.

I will be dancing if I find a deal as good as that.

pssst..It'sJuly 1st..aka Canada Day..and the few weeks before and after is seriously good for freecycle/craigslist/kijiji trolling..

I once had to drive my mother back to PET on Canada DAy..between the moving vans and the parades..it took more than twice as long to get her there.

Master of Puffers wrote:pssst..It'sJuly 1st..aka Canada Day..and the few weeks before and after is seriously good for freecycle/craigslist/kijiji trolling..

I once had to drive my mother back to PET on Canada DAy..between the moving vans and the parades..it took more than twice as long to get her there.

Yes, my bad, July 1st, not June 1st.