The Puffer Forum

I did a search and didn't really get the absolute answers I wanted... so I'm hoping someone has some good advice for me.
I really want to set up a dwarf puffer tank with live plants. I plan on using a 35 gallon long. I haven't been that good with live plants in aquariums but have kept them in my greenhouse turtle pond. I'm going to buy a light for the plants but don't know which one is best. I might buy a new filter or I might use the canister I have, I believe it's meant for 45 gallons. I used to use it in my 55gallon before my turtle moved to his pond. I've never kept puffers before either but I've read a lot about dwarf puffers. I was thinking about getting 6... because I am going to order them online and they said they can't sex them at such a young age but I'd also like them to feel like they have room. I also plan on having the tank running for around a month before I get them to cycle and make sure I can keep the plants alive. Is lighting all I will need for that?

What light and plants are best? I think I read they like to lay eggs in java moss... which is fine with me. I hope I didn't ramble too much I really want to do this right so any input is more than accepted.

I have wysteria (they love to sleep in it), anubias, and anacharis (easy and looks decent). I highly recommend all of them, very easy to take care of and they don't look half bad either =P. Should also be easy to find at your lfs.

The best plant I have ever purchased Aponogeton, Ulvaceus. I have one in my DP tank. They love to hide in the curls of the leaves, provides tons of hiding spots.

Thanks guys those sound great! What kind of light do you have over your tanks? Anything special?

I've got tons of anubias for anyone who wants it.

Just about any true aquatic plant will work in a suitably sized tank. I us clusters of stem plants paired with clumps of Java Moss in the mid- to upper water levels to provide spawning sites for the DPs.

One the tank with the ulvaceaous just a 2 bulb t5 fixture non high output. Even with this it grows very fast and blooms constantly. The blooming actually has a sweet fragrance to it. Im the only one who knows of course. If you ask someone to smell your fishtank they look at you like you have six heads.

I just bought a lot more today thanks to this post. Let's hope they survive!