30 gal ok for puffer/community?

[heartagramette]

I have a 30g tank with heater, air-stone,filter, lots-o-plants(5) and some(2)hiding places. It also is housing some new born baby fry =]
Will this tank be big enough for 1 Amazon puffer? people have told me mixed things and i just wanted to know what yall think. I have: 2 dalmatian/marble mollies, 2 ghost shrimp, 1 blk guppy, 1 wag, 1 otto(who i keep on the frys part of the tank) and 1 small balloon mollie. I have 12 fry about 2 weeks old but as soon as i can get another tank established the fry will be out of my 30g..

[SammyDee]

not sure about amazons but puffers are aggressive fin nippers.

[pufferpuggirl]

I wouldn't be so worried about the SAP's (or Amazon puffers) being aggressive, as I've had them successfully in with other fish, but I think it's unfair to get only 1 because they enjoy being in groups, they feel more secure. I would say 3 would be the minimum you should have, but 5 is better.

[Pufferpunk]

Considering they require 15g for the 1st one & 10g for every one after & they prefer to be in groups of 3 or more... Not so sure. Also, I wouldn't add any tank mates if you're overstocking on the puffers, especially something with flowing fins, like the guppy.

[heartagramette]

Considering they require 15g for the 1st one & 10g for every one after & they prefer to be in groups of 3 or more... Not so sure. Also, I wouldn't add any tank mates if you're overstocking on the puffers, especially something with flowing fins, like the guppy.

Everyone i have talked to(including my LFS owner whose a marine biologist) has said that "5-7 gallons per puffer is fine, even though SAP's only usually get to be 3-4 inches in an aquarium environment." I am probably going to let my brother have my guppy and a few fry for his lil tank.

I wouldn't be so worried about the SAP's (or Amazon puffers) being aggressive, as I've had them successfully in with other fish, but I think it's unfair to get only 1 because they enjoy being in groups, they feel more secure. I would say 3 would be the minimum you should have, but 5 is better.

I will try very hard to get my mom to allow me to get more than one shes apposed to getting the one SAP as it is. i guess she isn't as stricken with the cuteness of em as i am. lol

[Pufferpunk]

I can't imagine a fish as active as a SAP being happy in a 5-7g tank! They swim almost in a frenzy & need a LOT of swimming room. I wouldn't trust much advise on puffers from a LFS & what does a marine biologist know about a South American FW puffer?

[heartagramette]

he has a lot of knowledge about fresh/brackish but is certified as marine. Ans i know they wont go in a 5-7g tank what i was saying was as far as there water and strain on the bioload of the filter. It will have plenty of room, i mean it is like going from an apartment to a two story house,, with the way their kept in small tanks and all.