The Puffer Forum

My wife suprised me with 2 GSPs for Christmas with the only knowledge being what the girl in the pet store told her (first mistake) 10 gal aquarium, aquarium salt, pea pebbles(all wrong). Since then and much research later we've moved up to a 35 gal tank(48' x12') , instant ocean sea salt, power head , aragonite sand, a lot of decor, heaters, more filter. We are making progress ,but far from done, but now I'm obsessed.....I've had the itch for SW tank for a while and was thrilled to learn that as they mature I will need to evolve from brackish to SW. Questions

1. At what rate do I increase the SG? Currently at a 1.008

2. At what age/size should I be at full marine? Dude and Sweet are currently 1' -1.5'

3. Once marine can you add coral, anemone,etc. or is their habitat in SW different.

4. Can you add any SW tank mates? I've read some places where people have said they were able to add maroon clowns since they are more aggressive and could hold their own against the GSPs.

5. What would be next steps if you were in my shoes? I know I need to increase tank size.


Sorry if questions sound dumb, trying to learn all I can. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Trying to do things right moving forward.

Raise the salinity no more than .002/week.
You can go full marine whenever you'd like.
You're right about needing to upgrade your tank size.
GSPs are not typically reef safe, but it is hit and miss. You can try it if you don't mind wasting money on whatever they destroy.
Tank mates are hit and miss as well. Maroon clowns will actually beat up the GSPs.
Make sure they get plenty of hard meaty foods, keep up on water changes, watch your
parameters and you should be set.

zax254 wrote:My wife suprised me with 2 GSPs for Christmas with the only knowledge being what the girl in the pet store told her (first mistake) 10 gal aquarium, aquarium salt, pea pebbles(all wrong). Since then and much research later we've moved up to a 35 gal tank(48' x12') , instant ocean sea salt, power head , aragonite sand, a lot of decor, heaters, more filter. We are making progress ,but far from done, but now I'm obsessed.....I've had the itch for SW tank for a while and was thrilled to learn that as they mature I will need to evolve from brackish to SW. Questions

1. At what rate do I increase the SG? Currently at a 1.008

2. At what age/size should I be at full marine? Dude and Sweet are currently 1' -1.5'

3. Once marine can you add coral, anemone,etc. or is their habitat in SW different.

4. Can you add any SW tank mates? I've read some places where people have said they were able to add maroon clowns since they are more aggressive and could hold their own against the GSPs.

5. What would be next steps if you were in my shoes? I know I need to increase tank size.


Sorry if questions sound dumb, trying to learn all I can. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Trying to do things right moving forward.

I second the advice with the salinity increase. If raised any faster it would kill the beneficial bacteria.

It wouldn't hurt them to be moved to full marine when you're ready to, both the progressing salinity increases and once a new tank is acquired and ready for them.

It definitely seems to be a hit or miss with tankmates. That would also depend on what size tank you go up to ultimately. I'd say at least a 75 gallon for two GSPs and probably larger to house tankmates. I'd think the extra space would give tankmates a chance. In terms of clownfish though, I believe Tomato clowns are a better choice, not quite as aggressive as the Maroons.

Obviously increasing tank size is most important for next step and the sooner the better obviously. I'd start looking around for a used setup as it would be much cheaper.

Since there wasn't any mention of water parameters. I just wanted to ask if you had a test kit and were aware of how important it was. By your questions and seeing how you've obviously researched I am assuming you do though.

No dumb questions You're definitely on the right track by finding this forum and actually caring to do research in the first place for your two GSPs.

Welcome by the way!

If anything is getting me with my research its the terminology along with my lack of experience. I have ph test kit and hydrometer( what else do I need?) I did my first water change Sunday and took out and replaced 30%. I made my water in two five gal. buckets. I guess my next question would be how you accurately increase in .002 increments? What is a good salt per gallon ratio?(I understood it to be 1 tablespoon per) Or if someone has the time to explain (in beginner terms) or could point me toward a thread for proper water change. I'm currently looking for a used tank upgrade on CL, but feel I need to keep researching and learning before I go marine. My wife dives into things without research so probably went too deep too quick on GSPs as learner fish, but I'm here now so all help is very welcomed!

Thanks!

library/puffers-in-focus/an-introductio ... d-puffers/
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=19348
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=15647

You need tests for ammonia/nitrite/nitrate/pH & salinity.
http://www.amazon.com/API-Freshwater-Ma ... r+test+kit