The Puffer Forum

Hello, I would appreciate any advice you have for me. I have a GSP in a tank with Fluval plant and shrimp stratum instead of gravel or pebbles as I have a lot of plants.
1. Should I be vacuuming the substrate?
2. To prevent boredom it is recommended to change things up, does this mean adding a new item or small changes or should I be moving plants and features around in a drastic change.
3. Do you ever remove your puffers while cleaning the tank?
4. What snails are best for the puffers but won't eat my plants?

Thank you for your assistance.

1) If you're trying to grow plants in a BW tank, forget about the plant substrate. You may have luck with Java fern/moss, but neither of those lives on the substrate. Aragonite sand is recommended & then yes, you will want to thoroughly stir the substrate before each weekly water change.
Puffers will eat your shrimp.

2) Sure, you can move decor around.

3) Leave your fish in their tank.

4) Pond snails age good.

library/puffers-in-focus/an-introductio ... d-puffers/
library/feeding/feeding-your-puffers/