Page 1 of 1

Substrate change

Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2022 9:30 am
by BjornIronside11
Hello all I'm new to this group and was curious about doing a substrate change for my GSP. He was rehomed to us and is doing fantastic! He came with sand and it's fairly messy. I was wondering what would be a good alternative and how to go about doing the change. I know it would be removing g a good amount of beneficial bacteria. Would that be safe to do? What are some recommended substrate to use in a brackish tank? I know crushed coral can be beneficial. Aquarium gravel?

Re: Substrate change

Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2022 9:57 am
by Pufferpunk
[welcome]
Aragonite sand is recommended for BW fish. How are you finding sand to be messy? I have sane in all 7 of my tanks.
library/puffers-in-focus/an-introductio ... d-puffers/

Re: Substrate change

Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2022 10:22 am
by BjornIronside11
It's actually cleared right up! It's a very fine sand that he came with I do t know if that's the exact reason but it seamed to get tossed up into the water with any movement at all making it cloudy. Since then I have upgraded the filter to a Seachem tidal 55 and stacked some extra mechanical filtration with it as well as a charcoal and bio stone pellets. I find the extra filtration power and mechanical has helped the most his water is crystal clean now! BTW we do weekly water changes 1/3 each week is this enough?

Re: Substrate change

Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2022 11:08 am
by Pufferpunk
Just the puffer in there? How large is he? Tank size? No need for charcoal, unless you are removing meds or color.

Re: Substrate change

Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2022 1:49 pm
by BjornIronside11
Yes just the one GSP and it's a 30G good to know on the charcoal I had seen mixed reviews online hence why I'm here! He's a solid 3 inches I'd say. Actual age is unknown as we got him from someone else. What would you recommend filtration wise? I currently have the course filter it came with topped with fluval quick clear water polisher then charcoal and bio stone on top.

Re: Substrate change

Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2022 10:08 am
by Pufferpunk
What are your plans to go BW/SW?
I like to figure 10g/1" for them if going SW.

Re: Substrate change

Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2022 3:11 pm
by BjornIronside11
Again I've heard mixed reviews on the GSP and their water needs. Given his size is there any way to get a rough age guess? We're slowly transitioning him to BW now and have heard all kinds of different salinity levels that are "Best" and currently at a 1.008. He seems to be much more active and happy since adding to his salinity level. Is this to be expected? Any help in this aspect is GREATLY appreciated I just want him to have a happy healthy life! I'd like to change him to a 55-75G tank but figured I'd get him established first. He has lots of live and fake plants hiding spots decor and bubbles! Loves to play in the bubbles.

Re: Substrate change

Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2022 4:16 pm
by Pufferpunk
Did you read the article I posted above?

Re: Substrate change

Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2022 8:44 am
by BjornIronside11
I just did and it was very helpful! We seem to be on point so far with everything! That's good to know. We will be getting him a bigger tank most likely something in the 70G range once our lower level of basement is finished. What are your feelings about a tank mate? Any recommendations? I saw tomato clown is this actually doable? I don't want to introduce so.ething only to have it killed. Would love to have a second fish in there though.

Re: Substrate change

Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2022 11:26 am
by Pufferpunk
It all depends on the particular aggressiveness of each puffer.