The Puffer Forum

Hellooo, I am currently setting up a 10 gallon tank for some Pea Puffers (dwarf puffer) but this is my first time dealing with puffs. What filter should I purchase? Do I need a specifically gentle or quiet one? I've got food and tank decor down, I just need actual supplies. Any and all info is appreciated!

I prefer Aquaclear filters for smaller tanks. Do you know how to cycle a tank?
library/water-filtration/fishlessconsiderations/
library/water-filtration/fishless-cycling/
library/water-filtration/emergencycycle/
library/puffers-in-focus/dwarfpuffercare/
library/puffers-in-focus/sexing-carinot ... rf-puffer/

Pufferpunk wrote: ↑Sat Jul 14, 2018 9:31 am
I prefer Aquaclear filters for smaller tanks. Do you know how to cycle a tank?
library/water-filtration/fishlessconsiderations/
library/water-filtration/fishless-cycling/
library/water-filtration/emergencycycle/
library/puffers-in-focus/dwarfpuffercare/
library/puffers-in-focus/sexing-carinot ... rf-puffer/

Thank you sooo much, I've read through the links and I now know how to properly cycle my tank

Hi! I am wondering too which type of filter to get, what did you end up getting?

I prefer Aquaclear filters.

Aquaclear model 70 are great.
Seachem/Tidal filter are great too.

AC series:
I like to run two AC70 filters on some projects as well as other filters.
One Aquaclear 70 intake free to grab chunks, the second Aquaclear filter gets a pre-filter sponge on the intake to protect the Aquaclear's sponge in the media box.

Aquaclear filters can be fitted with a 3/4-inch PVC elbow or some of the black ABS plastic junk drawer elbow from pre-drilled tank kits that were supposed to fit return lines and so on.
One AC filter stays very clean and needs service every so often whereas the 2nd filter (no prefilter intake sponge) grabs more chunks and needs service sooner.
A combination of filters is best.
Another trick for too fast of flow is to use a airstone sponge/bubbler in front of the flow of an Aquaclears current.
It knocks the flow (spreads it) from being too fast.
Filters (in my opinion) should usually be run on full power for good filtration and the current spread out using creative ways to combat the fast rush of water.
- a baby gate of craft store plastic mesh can be cut to fit an Aquaclear to spread out the output just as it runs out of the ramp too.
- twisty ties can hold it in place or tuck it in.

Seachem/Tidal series:
I love Tidal filters too.
They have there place in helping.
- remember the Tidal filter box has a taper to it though.
For example, you can easily use a blue Tidal 75 foam with minor cuts to fit or stack foam in a Tidal model 55 box snugly.
- also, the Tidal filter's blue foam from a Tidal model 110 can fit (stacked foam method) the model 75 box with the same principle.

Some stores actually have smaller porosity (ppi) black colored laser cut foam for the Tidal filters that is oversized and fits the box as it tapers.
Tidal filters are nice too.

Lots of photos:

A timer (below) from Amazon can also aid in bubblers, hang on filters and more for turning things off for a few minutes or hours while you feed your picky fish.
I especially use the OFF Timer for air bubbling as I lift/fold the tank's glass lid as bubblers spatter and pop.
- very easy timer, $12-14 bucks.

Thank you! For my 10 gallon I bought Aquaclear 30, airstone and some fake plants. I plan on getting some java fern and maybe wisteria should I add them right away when I start the cycle process? Not sure if I'm getting one or two dp's yet. Nervous and excited.

Yes, you can add the plants now.

Just telling you, the DPs are okay with otocinclus, they don't care about the otocinclus.

I've had no problems keeping them with Asian stone catfish (AKA dwarf anchor catfish). If you can find them at a nearby fish store, they are pretty rare.

LOL, that catfish must have more common names than the GSP! I know it as the Banjo cat.

I'll never forget having one for at least 5 years. RARELY ever moved. My hubby was watching my tanks for me when I went scuba diving in Egypt for 2 weeks. I came home & he proudly showed me the "dead" fish he removed & stuck in the freezer for me...