The Puffer Forum

Hey puffer experts, I just picked up a Fahaka (Rafiki) myself a couple days ago and was wondering if any of you have any good tips on how to raise it. Also whats a good diet for it, right now I am currently feeding it live ghost shrimp and frozen shrimp but seems like he waits for the live shrimp rather than eating the frozen. I also had a giraffe catfish in the same tank but he was constantly being nipped by the Fahaka so I moved the Giraffe catfish to another tank. I just put a baby jack dempsey in the tank yesterday and I havnt noticed any problems with it thus far, the jack dempsey just seems to follow the Fahaka around the tank. Any tips at all would be greatly appreciated.

If he nipped your catfish he will most likely kill the JD.
What size tank is he in now? Is it cycled? What are you future plans for his tank?

library/feeding/feeding-your-puffers/

Both fish are currently in a 55 gallon tank, I am planning on cycling it tomorrow but the current water has constantly been checked and tested. So far the fahaka doesn't mind the jd at all because it is always active, he only nipped the catfish when he was hiding in his cave. I just fed him a frozen clam last night and it seemed to be his favorite food so far. I have been feeding him pretty late in the evening due to my work schedule, is it bad to be feeding him that late or will he adapt to that feeding schedule? I plan on purchasing a 150-180 gallon tank in about 5-6 months to move him to but he has plenty of room for his size at the moment. Any other suggestion would be appreciated.

I'm sure he'll be happy to eat, whenever you feed him.

He was definitely happy after eating!

PuffPuffPa$$ wrote:Both fish are currently in a 55 gallon tank, I am planning on cycling it tomorrow but the current water has constantly been checked and tested. So far the fahaka doesn't mind the jd at all because it is always active, he only nipped the catfish when he was hiding in his cave. I just fed him a frozen clam last night and it seemed to be his favorite food so far. I have been feeding him pretty late in the evening due to my work schedule, is it bad to be feeding him that late or will he adapt to that feeding schedule? I plan on purchasing a 150-180 gallon tank in about 5-6 months to move him to but he has plenty of room for his size at the moment. Any other suggestion would be appreciated.

So you have a 55 gallon tank with a JD and Fahaka, and you plan on cycling it tomorrow? I don't follow....

not a cycle but rather just a 10%-15% water change, the water tested fine once again today but i am noticing a very small form of algae on the top of the water

Upgrade to the fish's permanent home ASAP. The way to achieve the optimum growth and health is start as soon as possible with the fish in its permanent home. I would recommend the 180.

I would also suggest no tankmates. It is not a bad thing for the fish to be able to see fish in an adjacent tank - that may help avoid boredom.

Don't worry about feeding times and light cycles - the fish will adapt to whatever cycle fits your schedule. If the room is bright with natural light, curtains, shades or blinds will help that adjustment to your selected cycle. Use timers on the tank lighting and keep it low to moderate if you are not using live plants. Neither you nor the fish needs bright strong light. Strong light invites algae. Don't shoot yourself in the foot and create more work for yourself.

Thanks RTR, I'm trying to get the 180 gallon as soon as possible i'm just needing a paycheck or two to afford it haha other than that I am very committed to getting my puffer in the right home. I will also try to keep the light cycle to a minimum.

Ya you should really get going on that 180 gallon... I would love to see that

ill make sure I update with a picture when it happens, maybe invite a few puffer enthusiast over to check it out