The Puffer Forum

So, the I have been collecting snails from various pet stores since I got my puffers. I got alot today because the store said they were a nuisance and clogged their bio-wheel. Well I gave them some snails and they definitely ate some of the shell. They would bite the snail and eat the piece that broke off.

Should I be concerned that they ingested pieces of the shell or is this normal?

Thank you for all the help

Oh and also, when I give them a snail its like an explosion of shell fragments each time. Do you think this contributes to the waste/nitrate level?
Just a bit worried since I dont have some fantastic filter. I am still trying to understand how things work so I pick the right equipment when I upgrade.

Shells are actually offered as a type of substrate. It you don't like the look of them scattered all over, you can scoop them up with a net but if they're empty, they don't add to the bioload. They eat them in the wild, so they should be fine in your tank. I do believe I have heard os some giant puffer species choking on a shell but that's why it's best to feed them snails as large as their eye.

Nope, I dont mind how they look. They are almost impossible to see unless you know to look for them. They crush them very finely.
These were very small, the only incident was one of them got caught on one of the puffers beaks and he couldnt get it off for a good 20 seconds or so and the others were chasing him around the tank trying to get it from him. pretty funny to watch.

Aww!

It seems to be quite the accident prone puffer. Today I gave them bloodworms and that same puffer got one caught in his gill and the others chased him around for about ten minutes before they managed to pull it out for him.

LOL - so many very bad puns went through my mind from ... "maybe it's a clown fish" to some even worse!

It sounds like a constant source of entertainment and giggles though