The Puffer Forum

Hello, I am new to this forum and to fishkeeping in general. Currently, I have a cycled FW tank with glofish but I plan on trading them in to get some puffers because I've always loved them and wanted them.

I originally intended to get Dwarf Puffers (DPs) because I began the setup with freshwater. However, I've been watching videos and doing researches and I absolutely love Green Spotted Puffers (GSPs). Also, I didn't see it last time I went, but local walmart carries GSPs for real cheap and I want to save them from their horrid environment setup by ignorant walmart clerks. One exmaple, it is being sold as a FW fish with flake food as its staple. Anyways, I really like both DPs and GSPs but I think I would enjoy GSP just a bit more because of its size.

This is where new questions arise. Most of my researches have been about DPs and FW setup. I know GSPs should start out as brackish and slowly raise salinity to full marine as they reach adulthood. I am a complete newb to the SW tank and would like to clarify few things.

1. Are the water change routines identical? That is, Would I do 50% change weekly (because puffers are messy eaters)? Do I use same test kits for checking parameters? I know I need to get a hydrometer for proper salinity/specific gravity check but what other/additional parameters must be checked? General and basic maintenance routine tips for Brackish/Marine Water would be much appreciated...

2. I've recently heard something about puffers gulping air and getting an air pocket in their body. This would happen on a rare occasion by accident, but if this happens what am I to do to remove that air pocket?

3. Can I still breed FW snails to feed GSPs? or would it cause problems to GSPs for some reason?

4. I know with GSPs, I DO have to worry about the teeth overgrowth... What staple diet or everyday practices do you experts perform to prevent this? Am I doomed to perform a dentist operation at some point?

5. Will water wisteria (my current live plant) survive brackish?

6. what are some cool tank mates for GSPs? I was looking forward to Otocinclus with the DPs but seems like theyll get eaten by GSPs quite easily.

7. Any other inputs to ensure that I don't overlook any simple facts and knowledges will be much appreciated...

Thank you very very much and I look forward to sharing my puffer adventure with you guys.

Don't buy puffers/fish from Walmart, they will then just continue to sell them.
I think it would be best to get DP's, then maybe ay a later date a GSP. GSP's are high end brackish - marine fish and at 7" they are best kept in 55 g+ tanks, 30 gallons as juveniles.
Water changes of 50% weekly are standard for all puffers.
Snails of the ramshorn or pond variety are a highly suggested staple.


What size tank do you have?

Thanks for the speedy reply. I have a 10g atm but was thinking about upgrading soon, perhaps to about 30 or 50. I really like DP too. I will have to decide when the time comes. lol.

So... Is it absolutely impossible for me to keep a GSP in a 10 gallon for some time, until I can upgrade? I know it's way too small but I am willing to do the twice-a-week water changes if necessary and would really like to get a singleton GSP. I know this is frowned upon, but i saw a japanese guy's vid on youtube of one GSP in a small tank.. and it looks fat and healthy. I really admired that fish so... let me know if this is an absolute no no.. so i can stick with DP.. i love DP but GSP's are amazing too.

Don't do it. That much bio load in 10 g not good, I am not saying impossible if tiny and for a short time, just irresponsible IMO

That puffer on youtube is an adult over 5", if it's the one I think you mean. The tank is at least 30 gallons. Don't mistake fat with happy though, over weight puffers are short lived.
30 gallons is the minimum for a juvenile.

+1 . more is better

Hehe.. I understand. I thought it would be bad to do so. I don't want to be irresponsible. I think I am gonna stick with DP's in the 10gal (probably 2 maybe 3) and get a 50+ gal for GSP later. Thanks for your responses.

A 10g is fine for two, three would be a squeeze at best. 50g for a gsp would be perfect

I think you'll be surprised by how engaging and interactive DPs can be. They pack loads of personality into a small space.

And when full-grown, they're not completely itty-bitty -- they get to be a good chunky inch in body length, plus tail fin. Most of the videos I've seen of DPs online are of babies/juvies. They do get bigger!

I wouldn't do more than 2 in a 10 gallon tank. I had 3 in a 29 gallon and they used every inch of it.

go with a dp they are smaller, cheaper, and more fun

Yeah. My mind is pretty firm on getting two DP (male and female, although sexing could be hard as juvis). Thanks a lot for your considerations. I will update and post pics once it happens.