The Puffer Forum

Hi all...

Long since I don't post any message here... Now, I bought one SAP, wich is in a QT for ick treatment.
Well, my question is about behavior/company... I've read Neale's article and many others articles in the internet, and I would like to know if my SAP will feel good in a 20G planted tank by itself.

I read people here talking about their SAPs and some people keep 4-5 SAPs in the same tank while other people keep a unique SAP in a community tank.

What do you think? Should I keep my SAP by itself? Should I get another SAP? Should I get some no-conspecifics fishes (tankmates)? At this time, my sap acts normal and calm in the QT just the opposite when he was in the LFS.
I'm confused!!

I would say get at least 3 SAPs. They like to be in groups, it keeps them feeling safe and stuff. A 35-40 gallon tank should be good for three, going by the rule 15 gallons for one and then 10 gallons more for every other SAP added. You can also keep them with other fish as they are one of the most peaceful puffers, but I would say they would still like some of their own kind as well, to follow around etc.

Thanks for your help riggers.

I can't set-up a bigger tank! Will my SAP feel sad being alone in a 20G tank?

He should be fine--just be a litle happier with some SAP friends. I think you can make him quite happy alone too.

Its best to have more than one they do alot better in a group,i have a group of six in one tank and a group of 10 in a 125g tank they get to know there tank mates and when you take one out for treatment or anything there is a difference in the group you can tell they are not happy.They are brilliant puffers the groups i have do everything to gether from resting to hunting round the tank looking for snails.I would say get a pair they shoud be fine.

Sorry I guess it sounded a bit forceful saying "at least". I didn't really mean it that you absolutely HAVE to get three or they will perish miserably. I just meant they will be much happier in a group. Could you get away with a 25 gallon or something so you could get 2? If not don't worry, just give you singleton loads to do.

Thanks everyone! I was thinking...
What about 1.1lb (500g) of ceramic rings inside of a DIY HOB filter (172gal/h - 650l/h) to have a good space for the bacteria growth? So the bacteria in the filter could handle the amount of organic compounds.

I have tons of egeria densa, vals spirallis and hygrophilas and watersprite... they also use NH4 and NH3 as nitrogen source (I never read ammonia levels in a well planted tank, even if it's overstocked).

And... I could do bigger WCs. This is everything I can think if I would set up a planted tank where I'll have a heavy bioload. So, all this practice would keep good water quality for 2 SAPs in a 20G tank? If not, or if somebody else has another clue just let me know, ok?

All this help is being very important to me! Thanks a lot!

they are really active fish so 2 in a 20g would not be very good for their swimming room. A group would just need more space as well as the higher water content for bioload.

Add another 5 gallons to that tank and it would be ok for 2

What did you mean with "add another 5gal"? I can't afford a brand-new 25G tank... =(

Oh, never mind. But make sure you give him lots to do to keep him busy, and they like quite a strong flow I've read, so that will also help.

I am by no means an expert... but wanted to chime in.... I now have two SAPs in a 20 Long with a good flow... they are very happy, much happier now that there are two, not one. They definitely "play" in the flow... swimming into it for the challenge.

Before we had two, "puffy" would be VERY neurotic by him (her?) self... now "puffy" and "dot-dot" swim around together, hunt together, and even take turns "hitting on" the krill... its adorable how they share. There is nothing else in the tank but some fine sand, a couple pieces of driftwood and a half dozen small plants.

I threw a couple "surplus" cherry shrimp in there one day after a water change... an epic battle started that lasted over a day... lots of exercise for all involved... the cherry shrimp lost... and ever since they are on FULL TIME patrol looking for more of those treats. Fortunately, a little of the dry krill... crushed... has them going nuts in the same way, just minus the "hunting" aspect.... but the water flow will send the krill moving and that gets them going.

How cute. Thanks for your imput!

That good to hear that they are both happy. In that case, I would say go for it and get two. They will, as you can see, be much happier. And I guess when you think about it, they don't need as much room as other puffers, because they actually want to follow each other instead of having their own territory to guard. Good to hear the success story, hopefully there will be another one on the way.

Hi...

Well, I put the the only SAP I have in this 25G tank


He's acting strange... he didn't eat so far (he was eating snails when he was in the QT), the water parameters are:
NH4 - zero
NO2 - zero
NO3 - < 5ppm
PH - 6.8
KH - 4
GH - 3°dh
Temp - 28°C/82.4°F

He's losing weight too and getting a skinny shape (I'm not thinking of IP)...
I'm sad to see him acting like so!