20 gallon setup for dwarves

[puffy]

Hello,

I have cared for puffers in the past, I had fig. 8's for a few years, but had to sell them as well as other fish b/c I had no time for them anymore. Anyways, I want to set up a tank once again for dwarf puffers but I have some questions.

I want to use my 20 gallon, and I was thinking of 2 trios of 1M:2F, so six dwarves all together. Is that too much? Is that the best sex ratio for 6? Also, I have some low level plants such as anubias, young java fern, as well as taller plants. But how much cover up is necessary? My fig. 8's were always peaceful, but I hear these dwarves can be nippy. How dense should the plants be?

Thanks!

[Rocker]

http://www.thepufferforum.org/viewtopic.php?t=521

[Jarred Darque]

That sounds like a sound plan. 20 gallons is enough. Rule for DPs is 2.5-3 gallons per fish, so between 15 and 18 is what you need. So you actaully have a bit of extra room for some type of clean-up if you wish. People have had good luck with otos and amano shrimp, and some with ghost shrimp.

As far as planting/hide outs. at least one per fish, be it a cave, a rock haven, or a thicket of plants. Rockers pics from that link area good example.

[puffy]

Well I went to the LFS today and bought 8 dwarf puffers. I know that's a little much, but they are less than half an inch long, and I couldn't sex them, so I got more incase some die or to have a better chance at having a good mix of sexes. If they all survive I'll just sell two.

Question: Since they are so small, should I grind up the bloodworms for them? what else is good to feed puffers this small?

Thanks!

[RTR]

Since a 20-long hold less than 18 gallons, I'd say that is is a bit of a load. Too many for me.

[Raphael]

I wouldn't put so many DPs in a 20g. They don't have enough space.