The Puffer Forum

First off I'd like to thank any of you in advance for responding to this. I'm looking to get into puffering after being inspired by my gf's puffers and seeing them in the store (by far the most interesting fish i've ever seen; remind me of little swimming puppies). More specifically, I was planning on buying a figure 8. I currently have a 10 gallon tank going through cycling, using the old filter media from a freshwater tank it used to be (housed my piranha wich outgrew the 10gal rather quickly). I had planned on raising the salinity slowly to about 1.005, though i used some aquarium salt to start the process. I used about 1/2cup of it today and realized that i should be using marine salt after doing a little more research. I guess the question is, should i restart the whole thing or if i switch to marine salt now to raise the salinity level will i be okay? thanks again for any help, it's much appreciated.

I would just start over, also IMO a 10g is a little on the small side for one for the long term. A 15g or 20g would be more suitable. I have 2 in a 3 foot tank and they make full use of that room, they are quite active little critters:D

Well actually I don't think you need to completely start over. Just to a couple of big water changes over the next couple of weeks and then start to raise the sg. It doesn't need to be at 1.005 right away for the F8's. I did pretty much the exact same thing as you when I first started my tank and was told to do what I suggested to you and it worked good

You can start the puffer out in the 10g but plan on upgading. What are you adding to that established filter, to cycle the tank?

Thanks for the help and quick responses. I'll probably just change out as much of the water as possible and start over; luckily theres nothing in there yet. I'm just anxious to get one and doing it right requires patience =P. Also, Pufferpunk i'm not sure exactly what you mean by what else am i adding; I did plan on putting a feeder fish (small comet) in there to keep the bacteria up, though by now i'll probably just have to wait for a new cycle to go through. The filter is an in-tank canister type with an activated carbon/foam part and a sponge pad to collect bacteria if that helps. Thanks again for the help.

I have no help to offer but can I just say you have made me laugh very loudly with your comment, 'I'm looking to get into puffering'

Next time anyone asks about my hobbies I'm going to say that I'm into puffering in a big way,that'll be a converation stopper I should imagine lol!

lol glad you liked it