The Puffer Forum

hello....this is my setup,but I need more plants....

A background would be beneficial. It gives the fish more security and the tank a better appearance.

Is that a clump of stem plants in the second photo? If so, they are not really planted. Clumps of stems should be separated and each stem planted individually but fairly close to each other so they group together to form a larger grouping. They will grow far better and faster that way.

yes it is..but I have really big Synodontis inside so I m afraid that he could destroy the plants without baskets....

Many midsize to large Synodontis are diggers and are not well suited to rooted plant tanks. Some are not, but they are the exceptions and they can still damages plants, especially stems, just by swimming through the clumps - comparable to similar-mass plecos.

I three 20-something year old Synodontids. Their tanks are set with Java Ferns and mosses, all attached to wood or rocks. Nothing is substrate planted.

ok thanks..Im gonna try that.so java ferns and mosses..or is botia better for that tank?

Botia's are diggers also. Mine loves to rearrange the tank and root evrything up. After the rooting up they have a nice feed on it.

Also they dont mix with puffers in my opinion. If they are as big as my big mama is, she will teach them a lesson or two when they nibble.

Javavern tied to wood or rocks works better. You could also try some Anubias tied to a rock.

ok thanks....Im gonna try anubias...can I leave synodontis in that tank?

There are even more Botias than Synodontis. It all depends on which one you want or can find. Most of them prefer being with their own kind. Some are massive fish, some are disruptive diggers but other are harmless to plants.

IMHO & IME, none are good tankmates for puffers. The majority of puffers are best in species-only tank for me.