The Puffer Forum

Greetings All- I would like to start a SW tank for puffers!! Can puffers tolerate reefs or is that a no-no?

Also what types of other fish/coral can co-exist with the puffer(s)?

Finally, do I need to get a protein skimmer and sump? Or is this only for a reef-heavy tanks?

Also can a biowheel filter be used or is that another no-no? (oh yea i have not done SW before...)

Thanks for all the help. -Matt

What size of tank are you looking at getting?

Not sure yet but probably (at this point) no greater than 60g. I have a 60g FW tank and am doing well with that, and do not really want to jump to 100g. So maybe another 60g?

Based on a few glances on the pufferpedia section, there are a good amount of puffers that can live in a <60g tank (obviously NOT all together....) I really like the Valenti!! (and also porcupine but no 120g tank now!!)

i've got no experience with valentini's but i know first hand that arothrons will destroy any coral in sight, as well as any crustacean they can catch, whenever asked i generally say that puffers go in fish only with live rock tanks, and i also say that protein skimmers(good ones not seaclones) are a must for SW tanks

The Valentini is a good choice as they are non-agressive and get along with other salt water fish. With puffers, especially tobies, there is always a chance he may pick at corals. Try mushrooms and leathers first. I wouldn't recommend Zoanthids as they seem to be a delight to fish that may eat coral.

If you do decide on coral you will need to look into adequate lighting to support them. Some lights, like metal halides, can get extremely costly.

I would also definitely look into a sump and protein skimmer as they help aid you in keeping your water at a more pristine quality.

Get a really big tank! just get a square 90 gallon doesnt take up much space at all.

you are goin to town!!! all three types of tanks in two months.

I thought i went crazy when I started with puffers. haha

hahah.....i believe i have gone crazy with tanks. due to the incredible planning needed for a (successful) SW tank, it may awhile before this one is actually setup!

you would be smart to plan this as much as possible, read everything you can before diving in, i sure didn't

Oh valentinis are great fish. I had a pair of them . Each puffer has its own personailty as i found out. He eventually lost his interest in invertevbrates. he also inspected new live rock and coral. They CAN be great community fish!