The Puffer Forum

Hi there,
My GSP Matcha, is three years old and outgrowing her 35 gallon tank. I'm setting up a 55 gallon tank to be her forever home but I'm very nervous about transferring her. Anyone have helpful tips so that she doesn't puff? My heart would break.

I know to make sure the new tank is cycled, same temp and salinity level as her current tank and to not use a net, but to scoop her with a cup and put her in a covered bucket or something.

Do I just pour her into the new tank? I also plan to transfer water changes from her current tank into the new one...

Thanks for the help and support puffer friends!

You can pour her into the new tank from the cup. Will she fit into a measuring cup or pitcher?

She should fit into a pitcher. Do you think it's fine to just scoop her and then immediately place her in the new tank? The temp and salinity should be very similar.

How much material are you moving over from her tank?

I put the filter media from her old tank into the new one, placed the sponge filter from her old tank to the new one, moved a small amount of sand, and transferred about 10 gallons of water, but that's all so far.

I plan to let it cycle for a few weeks and do some water tests before transferring.

I'm also hoping her growth hasn't stunted. She's the only one in a 35 gallon tank and is actually 4 years old not 3. Can't hurt to put her in a 55 gallon though...

55g is a perfect size! Why not move ALL your sand, media & decor for him? Then, you can move him right away.

I guess the sand has seen better days and I was looking forward to some fresh sand. I also have a new filter/pump for the larger tank. I also had a slime algae issue and recently cleaned the plants so I'm not sure how much beneficial bacteria is left on them... I'll slowly move more things from the current tank.

Thank you for all of the tips and help!

It sounds like you've already done most of the important preparation. I'd avoid chasing her around the tank if you can, since that's usually what causes the most stress. A large container or jug works much better than a net. Once she's in the new tank, I'd just gently lower the container into the water and let her swim out on her own instead of pouring her in. Mine has been moved a couple of times that way and never puffed. Good luck with Matcha I bet she'll appreciate the extra space!

What do u mean by puffer puffed or she puffed?

I meant puffing up as a stress response. They can inflate when they're scared or feel threatened, like during rough handling or if they're chased around the tank. It's something most of us try to avoid because it's stressful for them, even though they can deflate again afterward. By the way, if you're ever looking up puffer care or trying to identify aquarium plants, I would recommend identify one time free tool for that.