The Puffer Forum

I have the chance to purchase a 3.5 inch male Hairy Puffer from a LFS (which is also a big online seller) but I am very confused as to it's housing requirements. The tag they have on it's tank recommends at least a 30" 12" 12" and seriouslyfish.com recommends the same. The pufferpedia suggests a 25 gallon and I've seen some sites even recommend a 35 gallon.

I have a 20 gallon long with sandy substrate and some live plants that I cycled about a month and a half ago and have kept ready for stocking, my question is this an okay setup for a Hairy Puffer? I have over-filtration and understand that he would need consistent large scale water changes in order to keep him healthy. Just want to make sure I can properly care for him, any advice, comments, experiences much appreciated.

They really don't swim much but they do have a lot of body mass. I'd do 75% weekly WC & be sure to give him a cave. You're not gonna see much of him.

So you think it would be possible for him to thrive in a 20 long, with proper care and optimum water quality of course? And yes, I read about them liking caves and cover so I plan to get some nice smooth rocks and make plenty of hiding spaces for the little guy.

*also, any recommendations on rock types?*