The Puffer Forum

I recently got a GSP who lives in a 30 gallon tank with 5 mollies (I am also getting a violet goby too). He is doing fine, but this summer I am going on vacation for 10 days, and have been thinking about what to do. I already plan to do a major water change, and have someone come to feed him (unless they make vacation tablets...but I dont think they do for puffers..and if they do please tell me!!!). The only thing i am mainly worryed about is the nitrate levels. Do they make anything to put in a tank to keep nitrates down for a week? Or should i get a plant or something? I want something that really works and can ensure safe nitrate levels for my puffer Thank you!

I think u should worry abt your mollies instead.. 10days later U may have a few mollies lesser. There nothing much U can do or worry abt regards nitrate unless its a problem in the first place. Just do a large wc before u go. Would be good if u could get someone to check on them once in a while.. In case of power outage, filter breakdown..etc.

The person U have tasked better be sure what he/she is doing.. There's a recent case by a forum member that had the tank wiped out during vacation..

The 30g is big enough for the gsp alone. I agree with above on all other comments especially the mollies getting eaten. Please do not add any other fish, you are already seriously overstocked. Vacation blocks just pollute water IMO, fish can go without for longer than you would expect, just get your friend to feed them twice

+1 to bertie's comments.

Get rid of the mollies, do a WC before you leave. The puffer can go 10 days without food. If you've got him on freeze-dried food (plankton/mysis), you can dole some out into Dixie cups for someone to come in to drop it into your tank 2x, while you're gone.

DO NOT GET THE DRAGON GOBY! Not only isn't there enough room in that tank for anything other than the puffer (I'd upgrade, when it's an adult) but the puffer will rip it to shreds!