The Puffer Forum

I have a new GSP in a tank with a tiger barb. I just purchased him 2 days ago from my LFS. While I was there I bought some dried shrimp and blood worms. My GSP eats both of the thing I put in the tank but my issue is trying not to overfeed them. I have read up alot on puffer fish and it seems that everything I read tells me to do something different. Could someone please give me a regular routine that they use so I can base my feeding routine off of that one. Also, does anyone else house a tiger barb and puffer together. If so have you had any problems. My fish seems to get along fine but I was worried about problem down the road before I transfer him to a brackish tank which I still need to set up. Also, when should I change the tank and water. Right now Edward Allen (my GSP) is only about an inch long and the guy at the store told me that I should add water in like 9 months...was he wrong? Any help is greatly appreciated.

9 months is rediculous! I (as do most) do weekly water changes. I do about 20%
how big is your tank?
tiger barb and puffer should not really be together, esp not when you go brackish.
have you read the articles in the library? it's under the learn tab.

I dont intend on keeping the barb in the tank when it becomes brackish. I currently have 2 tanks, but one has a betta in it so I cant put anything else with it. The tank with the GSP and barb is a 10 gallon. The GSP is still only about an inch long and for right now it is in freshwater. I need to get another tank before I can convert anything to saltwater. When I do, I will seperate the barb and the GSP. My GSp seems pretty timid so I have not had any problems with nipping or anything. The tank has plenty of hiding spots. There has been no bullying from either side. I am just not sure about how often to feed or when to feed what. I have bloodworms which my barb also likes. and I have dried shrimp. I have done plenty of reading but it seems everything give different tips and nothing matches up.

Oh and by the way...I meant he told me to add salt in about 9 months...not just to change the water. sometimes my fingers type faster than my brain works...

oh ok. well less than 2" will be fine in FW, but after that, he will need brackish. then by 4" he should be in full marine (or sooner if you want)

sorry, I'm not sure what to say about the tiger barb and GSP together. I feed my barbs regular flakes and tiny pellets, and my puffer eats frozen foods mostly and snails.
I guess just keep your puffer on a good diet and let your barb eat the same stuff.
BTW, the freeze dried stuff should be soaked in tank water first. please read the feeding aticle in the library, it will tell you everything you need to know about feeding. make sure he's getting plenty hard shelled things for his teeth.

chelsea06feezle wrote:I dont intend on keeping the barb in the tank when it becomes brackish. I currently have 2 tanks, but one has a betta in it so I cant put anything else with it. The tank with the GSP and barb is a 10 gallon. The GSP is still only about an inch long and for right now it is in freshwater. I need to get another tank before I can convert anything to saltwater. When I do, I will seperate the barb and the GSP. My GSp seems pretty timid so I have not had any problems with nipping or anything. The tank has plenty of hiding spots. There has been no bullying from either side. I am just not sure about how often to feed or when to feed what. I have bloodworms which my barb also likes. and I have dried shrimp. I have done plenty of reading but it seems everything give different tips and nothing matches up.

Wait, so you're gonna put a tiger barb with a betta? Bad Idea....

She said she can't put anything else in with it....

Chelsea-lots of fish get along with betta's, betta's just fight with other betta's (and this is mainly a problem with males, females do it too just not as much) but as long as you don't put a fin nipping fish in with the betta (likea puffer or a barb) they do great with tankmates.

No, the reason the GSP and the barb are together right now is because my other tank has a betta in it. I have to get another tank to put either the puffer or barb in.

chelsea06feezle wrote:No, the reason the GSP and the barb are together right now is because my other tank has a betta in it. I have to get another tank to put either the puffer or barb in.

Oh, sorry. That sucks that you have 3 incompatible fish. It's like having a bichir, a guppy, and a clownfish.

groovitudedude wrote: Oh, sorry. That sucks that you have 3 incompatible fish. It's like having a bichir, a guppy, and a clownfish.