The Puffer Forum

Hi! So I'm getting a 29G tank and wanted to know if I could put two F8 puffers in here. I read the article on this forum which says 15G + another 10G for any extra puffers. That brings us to 25G. But it also says that this puffer with have better owner relationships if I keep one. ????
Is it recommended to keep one/ two??

Thanks!

Follow up questions:
Do they need sand or can they have non-sharp gravel??

Can they be trained to hand feed??

Is it possible for them to be fed by multiple people or just one? I have a friend who will watch them while I go away for a week in the summer (the only time I go away) so she would feed them.

Hi, When you keep only 2 of an aggressive, territorial species, the more aggressive one will always pick on the weaker one. It is best to keep either 1 or 3. I have successfully kept 3 in a 29g. Or you can just do 1 & add a few other BW fish with it.
Aragonite sand is recommended.
Anyone can feed them but can easily go a week without food.
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=19348

Ok! Thank You so much!!
-The last time I was at the fish store they only had two but I am going again today so will update later!
-They have BBGs but they are only half an inch long and are currently in freshwater with dwarf puffers, so I'm not sure if they would just be expensive food. Ok! I will buy aragonite sand so I can start the cycle when the tank comes.
- Oh Wow they can?? Would I feed them extra the week before I go away and then my friend could check on them at the halfway point??
Thank You so much!!!
Ps. The linked article really helped!!1

Sounds like you're off to a great start!
Tankmates listed here:
https://badmanstropicalfish.com/brackish-aquarium/

Ok! Thank You. As to feeding, I believe the ones at my LFS are young? They are about 2 inches I believe. How often should I feed them? Every day? And when they're older how much does the feeding schedule change?? Thanks!

library/puffers-in-focus/fig8/

"Puffers are adept beggars, so try not to overfeed them. Feed only enough for a slightly rounded belly, one time per day, skipping a day per week for fasting. I feed my adults every other day."

This is incredibly helpful! Thank You! So excited for puffer

Quick question. I wanna either do an almost beachy theme or a dark rainforest kinda thing. I know it's aesthetic, but I wanted to know if white/ black sand will affect the coloration of the puffer.
Thanks in advance!!

Generally, most fish will try their best to camouflage themselves with their surroundings. Black substrate will bring out dark colors & white will brighten.

Ok!! Thank You! I will try to go with white sand then!!
Thank You!

Good choice! Use aragonite sand. "Live" is not necessary.

Thank You! I went out today bought sand, conditioner, and salt. I couldn't find a hydrometer at the one store so I went to another that had the Imaginarium brand refractometer. It was $30, and I didn't see on the box I had to calibrate it till I got home. The Instant ocean hydrometer is $15 at another store, and I trust that brand. DO you guys recommend:

A- Keep the refractometer.
B. Return it and buy a hydrometer.
I'm not sure what to do, but I think I will just return it and go with the instant ocean hydrometer...
Thanks for response!

All refractometers & hydrometers need to be calibrated. Calibration solution is best but distilled water will do.
Be sure you are using Prime as conditioner. You'll also need a bucket & powerhead to dissolve salt.

Ok lol, thank you! Does the image attached look like a good decoration, or something that will sit there unused?



NOTE: I've never attached an image so if this breaks forum rules, please delete this post or instruct me to. If you cannot see the image, please let me know.

Thanks!

[IMAGE CREDIT: PETCO, GOOGLE]