The Puffer Forum

i have been having a look at all the species of Puffer and am in love with the Mbu...what sorty of size tank do these need as I see they grow real big

Check out the pufferpedia. It's under the learn tab on the top of the screen. There is a data sheet on them. There is also an article on them in the library.

I would really caution against a mbu. They get way to large. You are looking at a 500 to an eventual 1000gallon tank at a mininmum and larger is always better. If you are just looking for a large fw puffer I would suggest the smaller fahaka puffer. They are more manageable size with just as much personality.

Agreed, please read the sticky in this forum & the article in our Library about them. Expect to spend thousands not just on their set up but on the huge amounts of good foods (shrimp, oysters, etc), they will devour in a lifetime.

Hello, I have a mbu puffer, and he is happier than ever. I suggest of course, like above to do a lot of research and really know what it is that you're getting yourself into! But they definately are super cute! (My mom calls him ET) hehe..

When I first got my mbu, he was incredibly small, very thin. My bf and I fed him like crazy, and now he's very healthy and about double if not three times the size, and we had gotten him in late August. We had him in a 50 gallon for two months and he is currently in a 120 gallon with a NTT datnoid, green texas, and a suncat. Of course he is the king of the waters. He has no agression, and is very friendly!

We are planning on getting him a 300 gallon in a year or two. For his final home we plan on getting a 800 gallon with wide sides so it is easy for him to turn around. You do not HAVE to get a 1000 gallon but you definately need enough space for your mbu to be able to turn around in his tank without ease. You can get a custom built tank... either way a 800+ gallon will be expensive.

But they are a wonderful species of the puffer fish, and we are very glad to call him a part of our family