The Puffer Forum

I was thinking of getting an Acrylic tank but I'm worried that my puffer will bite the panels and leave scratches/gouges out of the acrylic walls.

Anyone had this problem?

I've never heard of such a thing but it certainly seems possible, especially since puffers are gnawers anyway. I imagine the larger species could put marks in acrylic with their beaks if they really wanted to.

I've noticed when you put your finger on the glass they try and bite your finger and in turn bite the glass/acrylic. Ovious thing to do would not to put your finger on the tank, but still they may bite it

Can't say for sure if the bite would scratch the inside but I wouldn't suggest buying one either way. Way too many accidents could happen where it got scratched. Especially if you ever have kids or hyper pets in your house.

I've heard of this.

Depends on the kind of puffer. Tobys and their ilk will be fine, same with a porc, but an S&S, you might encounter problems. Also keep in mind that most commercial aquariums are acrylic.

So I'm resurrecting a long dead thread rather then starting this exact one over again!

After searching 25 pages of "acrylic" on this forum this question remains unanswered. So does anyone have experience with this first hand? I get that it could be possible for it to happen but has anyone actually had it happen or witnessed it?

I'm debating glass or acrylic and the weight and insulation benefits from acrylic are looking quite appealing over glass. No children to worry about scratches and if its on the outside I'll buff them out regardless. That said, if a 12" Fahaka is scratching the glass everyday on the inside of the tank then glass is going to be the choice.

So! has there been any progress on this topic over the last 4 years aha

I've had my congo puffer bite my acrylic many times, and it never got scratched. However, I'm not sure if the same can be said for a large fahaka.

Thanks for that!

After looking through the few threads I could find on this, I think acrylic will be ok. Still not 100% convinced but if your congo hasn't left a scratch that is definitely helping the argument for acrylic. Different fish but principal still remains

Hopefully a few more people have some experience since 2012 when this thread started

Yeah, good luck!