The Puffer Forum

I set up a 15 gallon a couple weeks ago that I would like the put 3 DPs in. It is a high tech tank with all live plants. Will this tank be sufficient coverage for 3 puffers to live in? To note, I have a Fluval 306 that has been seeded for over 6 months. Before I put the puffers in, I want the plants to grow in taller. I will also have a spray bar built by then to reduce the flow, although I don't run it on max. For now, I have 10 or so red cherry shrimp and an oto to clean up algae. Would prefer they didn't but not a big loss if the puffers eat the shrimp as I have a large colony. As for water parameters:

PH 6.5 or so
GH&KH around 1-2
Temp 78
Not sure on the nitrates yet, but I have to dose them for plants with the low bioload in there.

Wonderful tank! 3 DPs would be very happy in there. I don't understand about your filter being seeded for over 6 months, how are you feeding the bacteria? Why is the pH so acidic?

Pufferpunk wrote:Wonderful tank! 3 DPs would be very happy in there. I don't understand about your filter being seeded for over 6 months, how are you feeding the bacteria? Why is the pH so acidic?

I had the tank setup previously and tore it down for this one. Can't test water atm as I just did a water change, but between CO2 and aquasoil I am guessing it is around that.

DPs prefer a neutral pH.

The spray bar might cause too much of a current for DPs to handle, you can try turning the output toward the glass. I would also suggest a sponge over the intake if you don't have one already. How are you dosing Co2 - gas or flourish excel? I'm not an expert on plants but are you using Co2 because your plants need it or because your trying for a growth spurt? It looks like you have a lot of root feeders in there, are you using root tabs in addition to the aqua soil? 6.5 is low for DPs. I would invest in a PH test kit for sure and test the water from your tap after leaving it out for 24 hours to see what that PH is and then also your tank. Beautiful tank tho!

pollypuff wrote:The spray bar might cause too much of a current for DPs to handle, you can try turning the output toward the glass. I would also suggest a sponge over the intake if you don't have one already. How are you dosing Co2 - gas or flourish excel? I'm not an expert on plants but are you using Co2 because your plants need it or because your trying for a growth spurt? It looks like you have a lot of root feeders in there, are you using root tabs in addition to the aqua soil? 6.5 is low for DPs. I would invest in a PH test kit for sure and test the water from your tap after leaving it out for 24 hours to see what that PH is and then also your tank. Beautiful tank tho!

Interesting, I would think the spray bar would greatly reduce the current while maintaining the flow. Will have to see. The filter has an adjustable flow lever on it either way. CO2 is currently gassed from a diffuser on the right side of the tank. I will be building an inline reactor this week. The plants I have require CO2 and this is a grow tank for them. DIY osmocote tabs+ AS + water column dosing (pps pro). I test my water frequently, just it takes a little while for my parameters to stabilize after a water change as the tank effects them.