The Puffer Forum

Hi,

I'm considering setting up a tank for amazon puffers but have never owned puffers before (figured this was a good place to start), and I have a few questions if you all would be kind enough to answer!

1. Is a 36 gallon tank big enough for 3?
2. How do I introduce them into the tank? I am planning on doing a fishless cycle but after that should I do one at a time with 2-3 weeks in between or all at once? If I do one at a time will they become territorial and aggressive towards the new puffer?
3. I've read that they like planted tanks. Is this essential or can an equally enriching environment be created (with lots of caves and hiding places) without live plants?
4. I've also read they like currents so it's important to have power heads. Necessary or not?
5. Will an Aqueon Quiet Flow 30 Power Filter be sufficient?

Thank you so much for your help and feel free to add extra tips and need to knows!

Sorry nobody got back to you sooner. I've been moving & just got my computer unpacked.
Start here: library/puffers-in-focus/sap/
library/hospital/dentistry/

Half a dozen in a 33 gallon tank? Could I possibly house 3 in a 20 gallon high tank?

They really prefer the length for swimming. IDK where you're reading 1/2 dozen??? 1 puffer in the 1st 15g & then 10g more for each extra you add. They also prefer to live in a group. I'd go with 5 in a 55g.

Right before the final thoughts column in the article in the puffer pedia it says:


The ideal situation though is surely to keep a group of South American puffers by themselves. Being nicely coloured, constantly active, and not too big, a pack of half a dozen specimens would look great in a 125-180 litre/33-44 gallon tank.

6 in a 33 gal is way over the bioload. Pufferpedia stated 15 gal for a SAP, go with that info. Even a 44 gal is pushing it for 6 SAPs. Always go with bigger, the better when it comes to housing puffers. And of course, never below the minimum.

So, 15 gal for the 1st SAP and at least 10 for the next, as PP said. So no more than 1 in a 20 gallon.

I included the article, because most of it is good info but I never agree with Dr Monk's stocking suggestions.

Hey guys, only just saw this. Thanks!

I actually bought a 55 gallon. Do you guys know if a congo puffer is compatible with amazon?