The Puffer Forum

Hi all,i have purchased 5 days ago 4 gsps at just over an inch long,there in a 40uk gallon tank that i've sent 6 weeks cycling with 4 swordtails.
I have left the swordtails in for the moment as there a little larger and seem to push the puffers about if anything but i'm keeping a close eye!
My ammonia/nitrite is 0 and my nitrate low and the ph is between 8 and 8.5.
I have a few rocks some bogwood planted with java fern (which the puffers love),some floating plants and sand substrate.
For filtation i have a fluval 204 external filter and a powerhead with a sponge attached,i been feeding them once a day with frozen cockle or mussel which they tear into(and make lots of mess).
I'm setting up a separate snail tank to keep a steady supply next week and i've purchased some marine salt to brackish the water(currently reading up on) which i believe the swordtails and java will adapt to?
I really want these little fellas to grow to full size is there anything i'm missing or have overlooked apart from the fact they will out grow there tank eventually?

Sounds ok at the moment but bear in mind these guys are gonna need 30g US each. The salinity will have to rise to the higher brackish end and even to marine conditions as they grow.With this salinity you are gonna have to get rid of the bogwood, java and swordtails.Good job with the cycling but still keep an eye on the water readings.

getting rid of the bogwood java and swordtails will be a shame but then i can get some marine rocks etc and i read someone managed hermit crabs with puffers by adding alot of extra shells
Do u think a 30 percent water change each week is enough?and should i try a couple of live shrimp as food the only thing is the shrimp are kept in a brackish tank at my lfs?
Was thinking about maybe getting a protein skimmer to help ensure good water quality is it worth while?
Sorry for asking so many questions but i guess u guys dont mind

Sounds like you're doing your homework!
Most puffer owners do a 50% change every week, as puffers are dirty fish. This is kinda written in stone. Well, almost.
Pami.