The Puffer Forum

Hi all,

Just a quick question... Is it ever okay to hold an F8 in another container while you do a big tank clean?

We do regular water changes, but always have to keep the tank lid on, as little Bommy always gets crazy excited and starts whizzing around on the surface, and comes very, very close to jumping out of the tank.

We want to do a really thorough tank clean tonight - removing some of the gravel (think we've got it too deep just now) and planting lots of nice new plants (trying to out compete the algae problem we're having at the moment!)

Doing all this with the lid on will be a total nightmare, so I was wondering if it's ever okay to house an F8 temporarily in something else while we quickly get the job done? I don't have another tank, so it'd have to be a large glass storage jar or similar. Just wondering if the stress of popping him in one of these (I'd do it all underwater, so he didn't have a chance to puff in air - submerge it, let him swim in for a snail, pop the lid on...) would outweigh the risk of him jumping out of the tank and having to be rescued from the floor? Would he be warm enough for 10 mins or so? I just worry a bit because the temp of his tank will be a bit low when he goes back in (we change with room temp water) and I don't want him to get chilly and stay that way!

Any help very gratefully received! Will post some pics and vids of our lovely little guy exploring his new tank, as a thank you when the clean's done

Yours,
Worried Puffer Mum

If its any consolation, i keep my F8 at college with me, so when i transport him back and forth from home to dorm, i keep him in a tupperware container. i've never had a problem with mine freaking out to much, as long as there is a top on it.I'd assume that if mine does fine being transported in a small container you should have no problem putting him a container for a water change.

i have 3 F8s and keep having to rescue one who jumps out

Phew, all done.

There was no way Bommy was being caught. He hid behind his cave as soon I slid the jar in, and I didn't want to chase him. In the end he decided tucking in behind the filter was a better idea than leaping for the lid!

Water changed, glass scrubbed, plants planted - much happier Puffer

Thanks for the advice - good to know for next time, if Bom feels a bit more cooperative!

Try this - put just the tip of the hose a few inches under the water, and let it drain like that, sneaky like. After it's down about the puffer's length, the chances of him being able to jump out are slim to nil, and you can do the gravel vacuuming.

If you really want to get him in a jar or some other container, the easiest way i've found is to feed him just a little bit. get him to come to the surface and when he's occupied looking at you and the food, then come from behind and scoop him right up. i know its evil, but i learned my lesson trying to catch the little bugger with just a net and the container in the water. thats what works for me.

Ooh thanks for the tips - will definitely give those a go. It's really surprising how high he can flip himself when he gets excited! He's normally such an active, friendly little guy, the moment he curls up and hides, it breaks my heart and I have to stop, so sneaking up / avoiding having to catch him altogether would be a big improvement for both of us!

Here's Bommy enjoying his nice new plants (which sadly, are probably doomed, as we're going salty soon...)