The Puffer Forum

I have always wanted an Mbu puffer, I have a 125 gallon tank that is empty laying in my garage that I am willing to set up, but I don't know if it is big enough for it. Does anyone know what tank size is fit for them? I will keep him by himself.




Thanks, John

The long and short answer is this: No. A mbu cannot go in a 125 gallon tank. A mbu needs 1000 gallons minimum.

You could get a Fahaka though.

I would say a 1000 minimum is going a little far but it would be nice to have one that size for them. 300g min, I'd say. There's a good article on them in the FW Puffer forum.

I'd love to put him in a 300, I just need to find a 300 gallon tank for cheap, any suggestions?

Yeah, get a different puffer . Really though, DIY is the only way to really cut cost, but I wouldn't have a clue how to properly do a 300 + gal. Ask Johng, he seems to be able to build anything, lol.

I was looking at pictures on here, and I ran into a Tetraodon pustulatus, and I'm in love with it. Just as much as the mbu. I don't know anything about it, because I had never even heard of it, if anyone has any info I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

I think that 300 gal is still too small for good water quality with an adult mbu. I would guestimate 8'x3'x3' as minimum tank size for the fish itself, plus some large external filters - say a couple of 180 gal, veggie filters on opposite light cycles plus some massive mechanical filters and an automated water change system.

Everyone is in love with the pustulatus. Virtually impossible to find.

wasn't there a guy from UK with a pustulatus? Anyone else remember or am I going mad?

Looked like a Nile shape wise but was cream with red spots.

Please let me not have dreamt it!!!!

Yes it's hector, he's in the freshwater puffer gallary.

A salvaged gel-coated fiberglass tank from an aquaculture or hatchery operation would be the cheapest way to get a large tank. The problem with these is that tanks with viewing windows almost never become available. So, you'd have a DIY job cutting the FG and installing an acrylic window (easier said than done, but possible).

Coronaman wrote:I'd love to put him in a 300, I just need to find a 300 gallon tank for cheap, any suggestions?

You can fashion your own acrylic tank if your handy. You have to fashion your own hood/top but in the end you really do save a bundle. Maybe if your not good like that you have some friends that may be?

However doesn't it say 1000g minimum in the sticky up there? Confused lol

Some think 1000gal minimum is excessive. IMHO a 500 gallon minimum is appropriate.

To those who doubt the minimum size I suggested, I can only ask: How long have you kept a T. mbu, and to what size, in how much water? We are always open to other's real-world experiences, but some cranky old men have very little patience with guesstimates not backed by experience. Do you have any idea of the mass of a two-foot puffer?