The Puffer Forum

So I am setting up a 60 gallon tank as full marine for a GSP. It should be up and running, ready for livestock, in about two weeks or so.

I know my options are limited due to both the nature of GSPs and the size of the tank.

Two GSP would be too much for a 60 gallon as full marine, right?

I know it will depend on the GSP as to what others they may get along with and that that may change at any time as they mature. But I would like more than just one GSP in a 60 gallon tank especially setting up as full marine.

So as far as my interests I was looking into a clown or two and possible a blenny (I really like the starry). Pertaining to the clowns, I like the look of ones that have black in their coloring but do not know if any of this color pattern are an option.

I would really appreciate any suggestions regarding my options for stocking in this situation with the fish I mentioned I am interested.

Also, since I do not have any stock yet I thought (if I was able to do clown(s) and blenny) that I would add the blenny, then clown(s), and last the GSP based on their temperament to help prevent any issues.

The tank will have 50lbs live rock and 25lbs of base rock to begin, if that would have any affect on stocking options. And for my substrate I am using aragonite.

The minimum for two GSP is 55 gallons, so I'd have to say that a 60 gallon tank will work just fine! Just make sure to have lots of hiding spots and broken lines of sight (i.e. plants... decor, etc.) so they can get away from each other when they want. Idk about clownfish, I've heard people have had some success with tomato clowns.. don't quote me on it though. To be safe I wouldn't have any other fish except the 2 puffers, theyre predators and can be quiet aggressive. Most fish will sooner or later become meals... there are exceptions though. It's usually down to the temperment of the puffer... and remember they become less tolerant of other species as they reach sexual maturity.

G S P Freak wrote:The minimum for two GSP is 55 gallons, so I'd have to say that a 60 gallon tank will work just fine! Just make sure to have lots of hiding spots and broken lines of sight (i.e. plants... decor, etc.) so they can get away from each other when they want. Idk about clownfish, I've heard people have had some success with tomato clowns.. don't quote me on it though. To be safe I wouldn't have any other fish except the 2 puffers, theyre predators and can be quiet aggressive. Most fish will sooner or later become meals... there are exceptions though. It's usually down to the temperment of the puffer... and remember they become less tolerant of other species as they reach sexual maturity.

Thanks for your reply...

The minimums throw me off, to a point. I was under the impression it was 30gallon per GSP, which would be 60 gallon for two obviously. But since it is full marine and a good bit of space will be taken up with live rock it seemed to me that would make a 60 gallon too small. I know by reading through the forums that people have found a 55 to be too small once their two GSPs were adults and I didn't want to run into that issue.

I know the temperaments will vary per fish and that I would be taking a risk. I also mentioned I know this can change as they mature. As far as space/bioload/etc it seems it would make more sense to lean towards a couple smaller fish that could possibly hold their own. I know blennys aren't aggressive usually but from their habits (hiding and such) thought it may work out. I also know that clowns are considered semi-aggressive at least, that will depend on the type of course, and thought maybe a pair would be slightly more aggressive, working as a sort of defense against the GSP if he/she posed at threat at some point.

Tomato clown were one I read about having success with. While I am curious of course to other opinions regarding the different species getting along with a GSP I am also looking for insight when is comes to the stocking, making sure I do not overstock...if that makes sense.

Np. I'm not as experienced as some others here, but I try to put in my two sense when/where it can help... I just thought about the displacement after I had posted, and I may have to agree it will be much less then 60G after adding live rock/baserock. For a plus though, live rock will actually help with the bio-load, one of a few problems that is the reason a GSP will need a bigger tank. You might be better off with a 75G, hell maybe even a 100G. Honestly I can't say, as I can't imagine how much displacement of water the rock will cause. 2 GSP might still do OK in the 60G, but to be safe I'd wait for a more experienced user to reply, to help you with your decision.

The minimum for a GSP kept in BW, is 30g ea. For SW, with LR taking up 1 1/2-2lbs per gallon, I'd give them 40-55g ea. I kept 2 6" adults in a 55g & rehomed them when they seemed to be needing more swimming room.

It could work if you had a very large sump, that's not always possible though. It would make a wonderful home for 1 gsp though as your rock will displace at least a third of the water, plus a 60 g without rock and with just a thin layer of substrate will only hold about 52g of water.

I assumed that two GSPs were out of the question due to the size of the tank and especially being full marine. Just wanted to ask to be sure though.

What about any other stocking options for tankmates, like ones I mentioned, could those be possible?

Also, not plans for a sump just yet but I would like to add one at a later date.

The blennys could work, depends on your puffers temperament.

bertie 83 wrote:The blennys could work, depends on your puffers temperament.

The blenny was one I was more concerned about given their peaceful temperment but also know (depending on which blenny) that they tend to hide.

Would it be best to put the blenny in first?

With a blenny and GSP would the tank be stocked or could I add a clown?

I know a lot of this will come down to my GSPs temperament but he/she will be a baby and grow up with tankmates so I'm hoping that will help. I also understand that temperament can/will change with age as well. I am more questioning the stocking in regards to the size of the tank too. I don't want to overstock or anything.

Always add the puffer last as new addition could be seen as a food offering. Puffers are not that fast so any possible nipping tankmate such as clowns should be avoided. Placid fish such as blennys should just stay out of the way, as far as stocking goes at adult size you will be just about stocked. The tank will be bulging at the seams with personality though.

bertie 83 wrote:Always add the puffer last as new addition could be seen as a food offering. Puffers are not that fast so any possible nipping tankmate such as clowns should be avoided. Placid fish such as blennys should just stay out of the way, as far as stocking goes at adult size you will be just about stocked. The tank will be bulging at the seams with personality though.

Haha thanks. I have read a good bit about blennys and they seem to have a great personality. I know GSPs do too of course.

I know reading through some topics on here that I believe it was tomato clowns that seemed to do well with a GSP but maroons were too agressive. I was interested in more of the Clarkii and Ocellaris clowns though as I like the look of those two. I thought with both being semi-agressive they could hold their own with a puffer and then with the Ocellaris being smaller it wouldn't cause any issues with overstocking.

But I certainly don't want to overstock. It just seems the tank will look rather empty, at least until they reach adult size.

Blennies are "perching" fish. I wouldn't place anything sedentary with a GSP.

Pufferpunk wrote:Blennies are "perching" fish. I wouldn't place anything sedentary with a GSP.

Oh. Thought the bleeny would be more on the bottom, faster, and into hiding, and possibly not have any issues there because of that.

Well any ideas as to what might would work with a GSP and in a tank that size?

You might just be better sticking with just the gsp. If you can find cheap hermit crabs you could add a few and see if they get eaten, add plenty of empty shells and they might last. They would be useful for eating puffer scraps.

bertie 83 wrote:You might just be better sticking with just the gsp. If you can find cheap hermit crabs you could add a few and see if they get eaten, add plenty of empty shells and they might last. They would be useful for eating puffer scraps.

I intend on trying hermit crabs. They're pretty cheap from my LFS and they would at least be helpful in cleaning. Though I know they may get eaten at some point.