The Puffer Forum

If i was going to set up a tank for F8's, how would i go about it ?

Iv been told by alot of people that they are Brackish Puffers, but just as much have said they are Freshwater Puffers. What is the truth ?

Would a 2 to 2 1/2 foot tank be adecuate for a single F8, or could i get two ?

In my local pet store they have them in stock, but they are all laid on bottom of tank looking sorry for themselves, but they look white and fluffy like wool and are peeling slightly. Any ideas ?

A friend of mine has had his F8's in freshwater for three months and are fine, apart from eating all his neons lol

Any replys would be grateful, cheers!

Dodsy wrote:If i was going to set up a tank for F8's, how would i go about it ?

Iv been told by alot of people that they are Brackish Puffers, but just as much have said they are Freshwater Puffers. What is the truth ?

Figure 8 puffers need a minimum of 15 US gallons per puffer, and they require a salinity of 1.003 to 1.005 specific gravity. This makes them low end brackish. They can survive in freshwater for short periods of time, but they will not live as long, they will not be as healthy; they will not thrive.

Would a 2 to 2 1/2 foot tank be adecuate for a single F8, or could i get two ?

You could technically keep 2 Figure 8 puffers in a 30 US gallon tank, but they have been shown to live longer, and are more personable when kept singly.

In my local pet store they have them in stock, but they are all laid on bottom of tank looking sorry for themselves, but they look white and fluffy like wool and are peeling slightly. Any ideas ?

These puffers are ill, and it would be strongly advised that you do not purchase them. Although you may feel bad for them, and may want to heal them, diagnosing and properly treating very sick fish is stressful and difficult, and should only be attempted by advanced aquarists.

A friend of mine has had his F8's in freshwater for three months and are fine, apart from eating all his neons lol

3 months is a very short period of time. If your friend wants healthy, long lived Figure 8 puffers, he should keep one per 15 US gallons at 1.003 - 1.005 SG.

Any replys would be grateful, cheers!

Thanks for that, think you nailed it on head for me
many thanks

You are quite welcome!

thread closed haha what else is there to say? you covered everything.

Ya thats pretty much how I feel after every Seven post lol