The Puffer Forum

I made a thread the other day stating I was setting up a 29 gallons tank for a hairy puffer. I got 60# of sand (only used 40#) I bought white sand and black sand, Im not sure if a hairy puffer would like it or not. I know they are pretty dark in color and I know they like to blend in so should I open that other bag and add like 5# more of black sand or will the 20# white 20# black mix be alright?

Next question is I have my filter setup and all but there was no room for chemi pure elite. Would it be beneficial to just have the bag floating in the tank for a few days?

I have a controller on the tank which keeps the tank exactly at 77.5 degrees so I think my hairy puffer will appreciate that. I also put a platty in it to cycle it. I think thats how you do it (at least thats how it was in SW)

When will I know when I can house a hairy puffer in there?


Also right now there is only sand in there and no decorations. I was thinking drift wood would be cool but I hear it stains the water. What kind of decorations can you guys suggest?


I know this is a lot of questions but my brain is kinda fried from studying all day and I need to know the answers to my questions.


Thanks

Not sure what you need Chemipure for?
Since hairys don't burrow, I wouldn't make your sand bed deeper than 1".
Cycling your tank: library/water-filtration/fishless-cycling/

Pufferpunk wrote:Not sure what you need Chemipure for?
Since hairys don't burrow, I wouldn't make your sand bed deeper than 1".
Cycling your tank: library/water-filtration/fishless-cycling/

Are you serious? I thought hairy's do burrow. My sand bed is like 2-3 inches. As for chemi pure I thought it makes the water like crystal clear.

I also just read that fishless cycle thing and it appears I screwed up by putting a fish in it. I thought that was the best way to cycle a tank =/

Probably another stupid question but should I have bubbles going?

I just tested my water and here is what I found. I am not sure if these results or good considering I am trying to cycle










All the pics are of the same test. Its just that some pics have different angles and some have flash on and some have flash off

Please find that fish a new home. In order to cycle with fish (other than it being barbaric & old school), you'd need enough fish to produce the same bioload of that puffer.

Chemipure lowers the pH. It's really not necessary. I know discus keepers use it.

As far as I know, Hairy puffers do not burrow. They like to lay on/in leaves & caves.

Pufferpunk wrote:Please find that fish a new home. In order to cycle with fish (other than it being barbaric & old school), you'd need enough fish to produce the same bioload of that puffer.

Chemipure lowers the pH. It's really not necessary. I know discus keepers use it.

As far as I know, Hairy puffers do not burrow. They like to lay on/in leaves & caves.

I feel really stupid and bad right now. Im sorry I put the platy in there. I will take it out immediately and put it in a smaller tank. I really am sorry. I will just shutup now

We all have to learn this someday... Today's your day!

Now that he is out of there how should I go about cycling it? Should I try to follow that guide you linked? or should I get like 7 of those 13 cent goldfish because you said I need fish that will produce the bioload the hairy puffer will so I think 7 goldfish would work well?

sorry =/

Please do not use fish to cycle a tank. Especially diseased GF.

trever22 wrote:I made a thread the other day stating I was setting up a 29 gallons tank for a hairy puffer.

i thought you were going to get a congo

eieio wrote:

trever22 wrote:I made a thread the other day stating I was setting up a 29 gallons tank for a hairy puffer.

i thought you were going to get a congo

Well I was but I read somewhere weather I get a congo, hairy, or arrowhead I would be happy. So I think hairy will be cool.

Pufferpunk wrote:Please do not use fish to cycle a tank. Especially diseased GF.

I feel like I am making you angry, I am very sorry. The only reason why the fishless cycle method would be hard is because I dont know anybody with an established tank to get that good bacteria from.

Nope, I'm not angry but you apologize earlier for not knowing about the poor platy & then when I offer you an alternative you want to use GF? I was confused.

Why not just use Tetra's Safestart & instant cycle the tank?

Do you have a lead on any of the fish above? Congos & Arrowheads are burrowers.

Pufferpunk wrote:Nope, I'm not angry but you apologize earlier for not knowing about the poor platy & then when I offer you an alternative you want to use GF? I was confused.

Why not just use Tetra's Safestart & instant cycle the tank?

Do you have a lead on any of the fish above? Congos & Arrowheads are burrowers.

I thought that instant cycle stuff didnt work. I guess since you are recommending it that will work.

I actually know a website that has a congo and hairy puffers in stock. I emailed them and asked about both and he said hairy puffers have more of a personality. So once this tank is ready to go I can buy a hairy.

Thanks for the help