The Puffer Forum

Hey everyone. Im a freshwater guy about to convert over to saltwater this christmas break. I will have a 75 gal and more than likely LRWFO set up. I've been brainstorming some tank set ups and was curious about what fish would work well with the dogface (i know they need a 100 gal tank but I will just trade him back to the fish store once he out grows my tank).
I may not get all of these fish, but here are some that I had in mind: flame angel, foxface, maroon clown, red hawkfish, hogfish, maybe a tang (blue or yellow).

Let me know what you think and any other suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks

BoBiddly wrote:Hey everyone. Im a freshwater guy about to convert over to saltwater this christmas break. I will have a 75 gal and more than likely LRWFO set up. I've been brainstorming some tank set ups and was curious about what fish would work well with the dogface (i know they need a 100 gal tank but I will just trade him back to the fish store once he out grows my tank).
I may not get all of these fish, but here are some that I had in mind: flame angel, foxface, maroon clown, red hawkfish, hogfish, maybe a tang (blue or yellow).

Let me know what you think and any other suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks

Given the rate of growth of large puffers you'd have to return it after a few months, not to mention that you'd probably stunt the poor fish.

The 100 Gallon listed is water volume. You'd probably need an aquarium somewhere between 140-180 Gallons to get the 100gallons of water after the sandbed and live rock/decoration depending a bit on how much of either is added.

Considering that, I would say it's preposterous to even consider tank mates in such a "small" tank.

As a sidenote, I never understood the notion of taking a fish for a month or 2 only to bring it back when it gets too large, at least on purpose. I find that poor form.

Do you trade in your puppies when they outgrow your home too?

About trading the fish back in.. I'm a current dental student and only have a year and a half of school left. So there is a chance that I will have to move afterwards anyways so to be able to enjoy a puffer in that time period is better than not at all, wouldnt ya say? Anyways, I didn't take into consideration that the 100 gal minimum was water volume and not over all volume of the tank, which is a little disappointing to realize.

I had a friend who had a successful 75 gal FOWLR set up for a few years with a snowflake eel, porcupine puffer, 2 tangs, and a couple damsels which is why I thought I would have plenty of room for a dogface and a few tank mates. I understand that the fish grow rapidly but I planned on getting the dogface when it was small 3-4 inches anyways. With my time frame do you still not believe I could house a puffer and a couple tank mates? If so then man.. you guys have crushed my dreams of enjoying a puffer tank.