The Puffer Forum

Hi all,

I have recently lost one of my Ceylons to what I think was worms (tried several remedies), and was wondering if I could replace it in a tank that now houses only one. Do you think that there will be problems? The original ones where bought at the same time and have always been together.

Thanks in advance,

How old and large are your Ceylons? Puffers only seem to get along when they're raised together from birth and are well-fed. If he's any larger than 1.5-2 inches, you might find that he won't be compatible, and you'll end up having to split them up (which means another tank). That's not to say that you can't try to put in a second Ceylon, but just make sure you're willing to potentially have a second tank for him. If you're worried they're going to fight, make sure you have a spare filter on your current tank that you can move to another tank for an instant-cycled tank, and pick up a large Rubbermaid bin (one of the 25-35 gallon ones, or something). That way, if you see that they start fighting, you can throw the second filter onto the Rubbermaid bin and have a temporary "tank" until you get a permanent one set up for him.

Also, you might want to consider waiting. Ceylons eventually go to high brackish or full marine (you can bring them to that point when they're about 3 inches or so), and you might be able to get some saltwater fish to go with him. I think some people have had success with saltwater fish staying with Ceylons/GSPs. I'd wait for a little more input on this option, though.

only from my experience....

but i've just added a Green spot puffer to my ceylon tank, and it's gone great. The ceylon is big.. maybe 5 inches, and the green spot is about 2 inches.

He was a rescue so I had to take him, but was very nervous about it. I split the decor into two distinct territories, and piled the tank high with plants to break lines of sight... and stocked up on melafix just in case.

.. but oddly they love each other, they hang out together, sleep next to each other.. and follow each other about all day...

so it can work, although the smaller GSP may become more aggressive with age... so who knows..


More importantly though is your tank size....

2 GSP or ceylons... 60+ Gallon tank.....

It says in the signature that it's a 240 L... isn't that roughly 60 gallons?

yeah, still in a 240L so just over 60 Gallons. He is about 4 inches long I reckon and seems happy enough.

sorry, stupid me... didn't read that.

Are you gonna give it a go then...?

I probably will. I did a bit of a makeover on the tank over the weekend and will keep an eye on the local fish shop for GSP's. They had some nice big Topaz, but they were bigger than Charlie and I think would be too much for him.

Any more thoughts would be welcome.

We have 2 ceylons ~ 2" in a 120g and they occasionally have quarrels. Be prepared to separate them if you do try. Our 2 are quite mean when feeding time comes, so watch out for that too.

Yeah, I did have 2 and they were fine apart from feeding time. Not any nipping but chasing. I just wondered if I could risk a replacement really.

I think your puffer will be very happy to have that tank to himself. I know my adult GSP would have been happy along in a 55g. Put tons of decor in there & it won't look so empty. Then when it's at SW, you can add a few small, fast SW fish, like damselfish or maybe a tomato clownfish.

I spoke to the guy at the fish shop yesterday and he recommended adding in 1 Siamese Tiger Fish. He told me that they are happy with Brackish and will only try and eat fish that are smaller than them.

Any feedback on that?

ta

Seeing as your tank is not near big enough for JUST the tiger fish, and that it will easily get big enough to swallow the puffer in no time, I'd say he doesn't know what he's talking about. Those things need at LEAST I'd say a 120 myself. Seriously, I think those things get nearly 20" long with the tail.

OK, scratch that plan then

Well, at least now you know where to put the advise of your LFS...

He has been spot on in the past. Maybe just a blip