Just starting out

The forum for puffers that either live or start in brackish biotopes: GSPs, F8s, Ceylons & more.
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Carley
Puffer Fry
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Joined: Sun Sep 12, 2010 6:20 pm
Location (country): Brampton, Ontario, Canada

Just starting out

Post by Carley »

So I fell in love with puffers soon after getting interested in fish keeping.
I loved how he'd follow you around and his silly little smile - He was a porcupine puffer.

I was just getting started with freshwater - I have a 25g with some barbs and a couple others.
I didn't think I was ready for a marine fish tank so I thought i'd wait - also that you can never find them near me. ):

Then I saw a little spotted green guy, and I loved him.
I learned he was brackish, and got a little 10g tank for him the next day since I couldn't stop thinking about him.
It doesn't have much in it yet, and I want to change some things - gravel to sand.

ANYWAYS...

I was wondering if there was a buddy I could get for him... either another GSP or if I'd be able to get a green puffer since I did see one of those at Big Als. Just never any porcupine puffers. :P I did mention that they don't have a big selection and they're going to be ordering them a lot more often, so woo!

Anyways, any tips for my new brackish tank is also appreciated.
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purplecandle
Mbu Puffer
Posts: 2019
Joined: Sun Jan 24, 2010 2:18 pm
Gender: Female
My Puffers: Currently
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Location (country): USA (NC)

Re: Just starting out

Post by purplecandle »

10 gallons is not a large enough tank for a GSP, you need a minimum of 30 gallons because of how big they get, their bioload, their need for intricate decor, and their personality dispositions.

Here is some general info of GSPs
ug.php/v/PufferPedia/Brackish/

Here is an article for the care of GSPs
library/puffers-in-focus/an-introductio ... d-puffers/

You will need a variety of foods, especially crunchy ones so they can wear down thier teeth
here is a feeding article

library/feeding/feeding-your-puffers/

Most puffer owners breed their own snails to keep up with their teeth
Here is an article for snail breeding

library/feeding/basic-snail-breeding/

Is your tank cycled? If not your puffer will die quickly
Here is an article on how to emergency cycle your tank

library/water-filtration/emergencycycle/

Your puffer cannot have tankmates, some people have success with some marine fish, but your options are VERY limited. He does not need a buddy!
Here is an article about puffers not needing buddies

library/puffer-care/alone-but-not-lonel ... fers-solo/
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LilGreenPuffer
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Location: Kentucky

Re: Just starting out

Post by LilGreenPuffer »

Good advice there. :) Read up!

And welcome to the forum!
"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him or her. Will she gain anything by it? Will it restore her to a control over her own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to freedom for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away."

Found among the papers of Mohatma Gandhi


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I AM A DUDETTE!

NEED NITRIFYING BACTERIA FOR YOUR NEW TANK? PM ME!
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Pufferpunk
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Re: Just starting out

Post by Pufferpunk »

Colorful advice, PC!
A cycled 10g will hold a juvie for a lil while, until he grows to 2", then I'd go straight to the 30g. A 15g would have been better...
[welcome]
You are getting sleepy... you only hear the sound of my voice... you must do water changes... water changes... water changes... water changes...

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pufferpuggirl
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Re: Just starting out

Post by pufferpuggirl »

Welcome to the forum and for joining our love for puffers! :hello:

Sounds like you've gotten some good advice and lots of reading lined up there. That will get you going. I'm sure your puffer will thank you for trying to find out the best way to take care of him. :grats:
"Puffer .... man's best friend?"
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purplecandle
Mbu Puffer
Posts: 2019
Joined: Sun Jan 24, 2010 2:18 pm
Gender: Female
My Puffers: Currently
2 Adult Green Spotted Puffers
1 Fangs Puffer
1 Baby Green Spotted Puffer
Location (country): USA (NC)

Re: Just starting out

Post by purplecandle »

I try to use colors if I have to link a bunch of articles because...after 2 or 3 links the information gets blurred and the reader might not read all of the articles.
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