The Puffer Forum

what would be good tank mates for my porcupine puffer. Would a S&S be possible and if so how big of a tank would i need?

Like people - some get along and some won't....with that being said, I have a stars and stripes in with a porcupine without problems.

I would strongly recommend a tank no smaller than 180 gallons and preferably a 240 with good filtration and skimmer. Might also consider a RDSB (remote deep sand bucket) to help with nitrate control.
Best of luck.

Thank you for your quick reply

Would there be any puffer that could work with a pork that could go in a 120 or is that just gonna be to small for more then the pork?

An arothron nigropunctatus would work but again a good skimmer and filtration with diligent water changes is in order. Remember the porcupine and nigropunctatus puffer will get almost a foot each.!!

would LR and a protein skimmer be a sufficent for a filter or do i need more? And what brand of protein skimmer would you suggest?

live rock + protein skimmer

For 2 large heavy waste producers like those, I'd invest in a very good skimmer, use a sump of at least 20-40% the volume of the tank w/a refugeum.

I had just edited that in there i forgot to put it the first time.

I am unfamilaur with a sump, what is it, is it difficult to have?

A sump is a seperate vessel of water connected to the main display via pumps/overflows. It has a number of potential functions including providing an increased volume of water, housing a skimmer, or filter, or any other equipement you'd like to keep out of sight like heaters etc.

Basically it's just a second tank hidden under your display tank. You can disign the compartments yourself, or buy a premade one. You could even use a rubbermade bin if you wanted.

There is definately a lot of information out there on sumps and marine filtration techniques. Do some reading and you'll quickly gain a better grasp of what's involved.

thank you, am i goning to have any major problems not having one

Maintaining the puffers in just 120 gallons will be tough keeping water conditions in line and is a set up for shortened life expectancy, disease, etc.

If i just have the pork will the liverock and protien skimmer be enough.

I also have two GSP'S and a Ceylon that i will be moving into full marie and a 120 gallon shortly is LR and a skimmer going to be enough to keep them healthy, and could you recommend a good skimmer.