The Puffer Forum

A few days ago I bought a 55 Gallon, in hopes of turning it into a puffer tank. I am going to be using two hang on the back filters, both designed to filter 60 Gallons each. I plan on using sand, rock, driftwood and filling it with plants and hiding places. My question is, How many puffers can I put in my tank? I dont plan on putting any other fish in it, except maybe some type of algea eater/bottom dweller. If anyone has any suggestions on what type that should be, please tell!
Any and all advice is welcome!

I would only recommend one, because you'd need 60 gallons technically for 2 puffers, and preferably a 75g. Plus, a standard 55G only holds about 50 gallons.

I recommend you read up more on green spotted puffers, and don't get an algae eater because it will just end up as food. You may want to consider setting the tank up as marine because it'd be cheaper in the long run. if you're aiming for brackish or freshwater though, there's lots of other choices.

Thank you! I have read so many different things on how much space they needed. A man at my local fish store ever said I could have 4-8! Its sad how little the people at these fish stores know sometimes. I knew that couldnt be right, So here I am!

I am also looking into South American Puffers. How many of them could I have? I know they stay around 3 Inches, and are alot less aggressive. Any advice on them?

McCool wrote:I am also looking into South American Puffers. How many of them could I have? I know they stay around 3 Inches, and are alot less aggressive. Any advice on them?

GSP
viewtopic.php?f=38&t=28649

SAP
viewtopic.php?f=38&t=28631

Thank you! I think I may go with SAP, If I can find somewhere to buy them. Anyone know any good places I can order them online from? Also, Could I have 3 of them and maybe a few other, peaceful fish?

Yeah, you could keep 4 -5 in there.

Just keep in mind that SAP need lots of shell food. 80% of their diet should contain shell like food.

SAP have a big problem with teeth overgrowth.

SAPs need to be in groups of 5 or more. Also, I wouldn't recommend them as first time puffers because you will almost most definitely have to trim their teeth yourself. Even feeding them a diet of basically just snails, their teeth grow too fast. They also have been known to be very skiddish, and not really personable with their owners.

You could keep 3-4 figure 8's in there if they were nice and compatible with one another.

Just research all your options and remember that your local fish store won't offer good advice; they're just there to sell stuff. You made a great choice coming here before buying anything! =]

Nuclear_Glitter wrote:
You could keep 3-4 figure 8's in there if they were nice and compatible with one another.

+1

or

some Dwarf Puffers. Good for beginners

Yes, another good suggestion.

Have had Dwarfs in the past, and I cant really say Im a fan. They are adorable though
How big do F8's get? Can anything go with them, or are they best just in a group?
My LFS only has spotted, and they know nothing. I asked about how many GSP's could go into a 30 gallon, and I was told between 4-8. -_- They are just always looking to sell as much as they can.

LFS are so full of BS. Anyway, all puffers are either best going solo, or with a kind of their own. Not all puffers can even be with another of their own. You could keep a group of F8's though, and all people discover that once they have their puffers, they don't give a single thought about other fish. F8's get 3 inches big, and they are light brackish. They have similar colors to GSPs, just different markings. I'd say look up a few youtube videos and decide which ones you like best.

Awesome! I will definatly look em up! Unfortunatly, Ill have to order them online, since the only fish store around here carries GSP. Any suggestions for a good site to order fish from would be greatly appreciated! Would hate to end up getting a bunch of dead puffers from a lousy site

Liveaquaria.com http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod ... =560506333

Nuclear_Glitter wrote:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003V1 ... 00_details

Hey Nuclear, Am I missing the joke with the link to amazon?

Arny wrote:

Nuclear_Glitter wrote:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003V1 ... 00_details

Hey Nuclear, Am I missing the joke with the link to amazon?

OMG! So sorry about that! My computer has this horrible habit of not copying things, so I often post the wrong thing. I have really got to start looking at my links better. The only joke here is me lol.

Anyway, before you purchase any fish though, you need to cycle the tank.