The Puffer Forum

Ok, so I have my F8's in a tank with black gravel. (I got gravel before fish, not knowing I was getting puffers...) Is this a problem? They are acting great, they all eat perfectly. They swim through plants and peck at things in between the gravel still. Basically, they seem fine, just wondering if this was really a big deal?

Sand isn't necessary.

Aragonite sand (it's a very course sand though) is recommended in low end brackish tanks (like f8 tanks) to help buffer the pH to the appropriate level of 8.

So, how much of this pH stuff do I add to raise it from like 7.6 to 8.0? I got 40 gallons.

7.6 is close enough really. The important thing is that it's steady.

The marine mix you're using will help maintain it as well, as it contains its own buffers. Weekly 50% water changes should keep it in the proper range.

Aragonite isn't required, but is highly recommended.

Ok. I just added about like 5 drops of that 'pH up' stuff with my pH testing kit... I doubt it will really do much, but, if thats close enough, thats cool.

yeah, my F8 is in a 10g tank, without aragonite. although my PH stays at a steady 7.8 from the IO salt.

This F8 was my second puffer, which i'va had for almost a year and a half now. whenever I can, (it will probably have to be after college, since my parents are not thrilled with the idea of another tank....) im going to m ove him to a 20g long, with aragonite substrate. had I known that this was the best requrements at the time of setting up the tank, I would have done that. but that was a little before i made it to TPF.

I wouldn't mess with the pH up stuff. Just let consistent water changes and the marine mix do the work.

Please do not add unnecessary chemicals to your tank. The pH buffers will raise the pH & then it will drop back down again. Very bad for your fish! If you want to keep a steady pH (around , then change the substrate to aragonite or crushed coral.

I agree with Phaedrus, PHup type products casue a PH swing, and can be more stressfull then they are good.

water changes really can be the anwser to a lot of problems!

Ok, well, I just changed the water literally 20 minutes ago, 25%. And it read somewhere around 7.6

That's fine, leave it at whatever your tap is for now. Eventually, you'll want to use different substrate.

Ok, I'll be moving into my college dorm soon, so I'll change the whole tank layout then. I had a layout for Cichlids which is why I have all this stuff, but when I move, I'll just get that sand then. Also, I've been looking hard for a good like tree root, Mangrove root i think you all call it, for my tank... I can't find ANY good ones... All are too small and stupid.

Also, would it be good to have live plants once I get that sand?

Petsmart carries 3 different sizes.

:'( We don't have PetSmart here in Memphis... I wish we did...

You do, at your fingertips!