The Puffer Forum

I was talking to a friend that has a porc in a 120, he said that he has it in a reef tank, he said that it does not bother corals at all, only inverts. Is this true, because im getting a 125 and would love to have a reef with a porc.

I think it partially depends on the puffer and on the type of corals. Unfortunately, I'm no saltwater expert, so I'll give you some general advice that I've heard.

Your best bet (if you REALLY want a cute little porcy) is to get a very very young one, and add in a couple cheap corals. If he seems to leave them alone, pick up a few more (space out some time in there, of course). If he continues to leave them alone, just keeping adding a couple at a time. Since he'll be growing up with you and the tank, he's much more likely to respect his surroundings and accept them. The most common problem of having fish eating corals (with the exception of the ones who actually *like* eating them) is usually because they are an adult (or an almost-adult) in a new environment, so they shred up the place looking for stuff.

Take this advice lightly, though, as I don't have a lot of saltwater experience.

also it helps if you pick the less tasty corals (shrooms, leathers, etc.)

Porcs are supposed to be pretty good with corals, but knosh on cleaner shrimp and most other inverts

Most porcs are great for reef tanks. I have seen some beuatiful reefs (online) with porcs in them. It helps to get a young porc and let it grow up in the tank with corals (they have a better chance of not eating any that way)

I heard recently that when marine puffers get big they can chew on the live rock and break it up to get at the algae/corals in it....

anyone heard of this...?

I have, wouldn't surprise me. A hungry puffer is not something that should be messed with!

........... ordered a porc.... got it DOA.....