The Puffer Forum

Hello, I might be getting a porcupine puffer sometime around June. I wanted to know afew things before. How many UK gallons does it need? How much percent per week water changes? Could I avoid water changes by getting a skimmer?

Start by reading this: http://www.thepufferforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=192

I dunno from UK gallons but 100 US gal minimum.

A skimmer is always good to use on a SW tank. It will not alleviate water changes though. As the very wise Anthony Calfo says: “The Solution to Pollution is Dilution.� (I've been wanting to use that one! c00l )

Read his thoughts on this: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/watchgantart.htm

100 gals US is ~ 85 UK gallons. That's just a minimum though.

So I would have to do 50% water changes weekly? I don't think I will get that in the end unless there is a way to reduce the weekly water changes.

Yes, without a skimmer, live rock & live sand, 50% weekly water changes will be necessary. With all the above, then 10-20% weely water changes.

I'll consider it. Anyway I have till May to think. I'm not sure I'll be capable of looking after it, it seems like hard work. On top of that, I'll still have my F8s.

Don't get in over your head...
:26:

BTW what's live sand?

I suggest going to http://www.reefcentral.com & http://www.wetwebmedia.com & start reading.

i would do bigger than 100 gallons, i have seen 18 inchers, they need space! i would say at bare minimum a 125 gallon. i wouldnt put one in anything less then a 175-200 though. this is in us gallons btw.

raph as much as you may love the look of a porc. it really isn't the fish for you buddy.

id stick with smaller and hardier gsps for now. when you really can keep a wider variety of brackish and FW fish then look into SW otherwise id stay clear. porcs need pristine water quality. they catch diseases quickly and tend to NOT respond well to most measures to cure them.


I only say that because if you don't know what the basics of SW are yet its not a good idea to jump into it full on first. better to get those GSPs to SW then go into SW fish like damsels etc, then go to porcs.

if you must have one. a 125 gallon tank is the minimum you should start with

Jager wrote:raph as much as you may love the look of a porc. it really isn't the fish for you buddy.

id stick with smaller and hardier gsps for now. when you really can keep a wider variety of brackish and FW fish then look into SW otherwise id stay clear. porcs need pristine water quality. they catch diseases quickly and tend to NOT respond well to most measures to cure them.


I only say that because if you don't know what the basics of SW are yet its not a good idea to jump into it full on first. better to get those GSPs to SW then go into SW fish like damsels etc, then go to porcs.

if you must have one. a 125 gallon tank is the minimum you should start with

BTW I have 2 F8s now because my tank wasn't big enough Now that I know what the porcupine puffer needs, I don't think i'll be getting one.

good call, that's why it's so good you researched before buying.

i dont blame you, they look cool but not for you, just yet.

I don't think it was realistic. It's just because I saw a real one for the first time and got a little excited.