The Puffer Forum

Is it possible for a F8 to be kept in a 10 gallon tank? I know that 15 gallons is generally the minimum, but why so big? Is it just that they're messy or does a fish this small need that much room to swim? If they really can't be kept in a 10g without being cramped, then I'll have to wait to get a bigger tank, but I would love to use my empty 10g setup. If keeping the water parameters safe is the reason for the 15 gallons, could I get by with a 10 gallon if it was well kept? The puffer would be the only fish in the tank, and it would be over-filtered (Aquaclear 200-rated 50gallons). I do water changes every week, vacuuming the substrate and replacing 40-60% of the water.

Well, you can keep a cat in a cat-carrier for its life, but that's not exactly the nicest thing to do. I imagine the puffer could SURVIVE in 10g, but it's unlikely to be happy (and would likely stunt it's growth, causing major problems for him). Getting a 15 gallon tank isn't that much more expensive (especially if you already have the filter and such), so I'd wait and save for one. Also, 15 gallon is the MINIMUM size, not the recommended, so you'd find him to be a lot happier in a 20g+ tank. I'm in the process of waiting for my 28g to cycle so I can get a F8.

The bonus to getting a bigger tank for the F8 is that you can also (usually) keep Bumblebee Gobies with them, which are pretty awesome fishez.

Sorry I couldn't be helpful.

Agnate got it right.
The only way you could do a F8 in a 10 is with a lot of extra filtration. It'd be much easier just to use a bigger tank.