The Puffer Forum

Hello again everyone,

I'm so happy to be out of the hospital section as far as my puffers go. They're all so happy and my little one that's in his separate tank doesn't have any more parasites!

Well, all 3 of my babies are starting to grow, and I'm thinking about at least expanding the tank that the one is in. When I have the space (hoping to move in to my own place soon) and money, I'm going to buy a much larger tank than the 40 gallon that I have now for the two. If I could, I would buy the larger one now and just move the one that's by himself to the 40 gallon. Maybe if I keep my eyes open I can find a good deal and be able to do that.

I've been noticing lately though that my puffers have been slightly bored-swimming up and down the glass way more often than they used to. They still greet me, and beg, flash their vibrant colors, but I do believe they're getting bored with their setup. I've moved around a few of the items in the tank every so often, but I don't think it's enough. Now, here's a couple of questions that I have:

A while back I read there was a certain type of sand instead of gravel to put in the tank that green spotted puffers prefer. Unfortunately, I can't find the page on here with that information. Anyone know what I am referring to? Also, what sort of suggestions do people have for decor? I'll post a couple of pics below of the setup I have now-Should I get some live plants? I'e tried them before, but the puffers were actually eating them, and I didn't know if that was a good thing or not..

I do believe it is also about time to get a new air bubbler..the one I have now is starting to die out-only working on one of the tubes. Don't think its worth the effort in trying to fix it when its probably just the moter dying.


40 Gallon - This picture is older but the setup is still very similar


15 Gallon - Recent picture

The sand is arognite (spelling is likely off) , its not that the gaps prefer it it is for its ph buffering abilities for high brackish tanks. Decorate very heavily and the glass surfing will stop. Live plants will not survive in the salinity that gsp need so get fake plants or use rocks. The bubblers will create tons of salt creep which will drive you insane use a powerhead to create surface agitation to aerate your water.

Yeah what Bertie said. I personally think if given the choice gsp would like sand..but gravel is fine till you get up into marine.

Your decor is a bit sparse. I would definitely add a lot more decor.

Here is my gsp tank (still brackish not marine) . All plants are silk.

Aragonite is the preferred substrate. It is available in a variety of shades, but not in strong colors.

Puffers need good circulation, but IMHO and IME marine puffers should not have airstones. Salt water will etch the cover glass and subject the tank to "salt creep" from the minerals drying out on the cover glasses and streaking overt the tank edges. Don't give yourself that major chore and subsquent damage from the minertals drying on the cover glass and tank rim.

Circulation in marine tanks is provided by submersible pumps, which can be part of filtration. "Spraybars can be mounted vertically in front corners to provide major current along the front glass, giving the puffers current to swim against along the front glass rather than up and down the height of the tank. that provides far more normal swimming by the fish. other parts of the tank can and should have more gentle current in some areas, to allow for resting and sleeping spaces.

HTH

Thank you for all of the replies! The salt creep has been a major pain in the butt, so Im glad you all mentioned that-I will take a trip to petsmart today and at least figure out what all I need to buy for their tanks-submersible pump, more decor, etc. I'm also going to take a look at the tanks just to see if they are having any deals. Paycheck is coming soon, yay!

Great! Your fish will like it much better.