The Puffer Forum

I've learned a few things since joining this forum already!

1) My local private pet store knows even less than the chains an hour away!

2) Both myself and the pet store are doing nearly everything wrong for puffers!

3) Puffers are tough, because the pet store has one (12" long and at least 12 years old) in a 20gal long tank, it gets fed mostly fish! I had one for years that only ate fish and shrimp pellets. That may very well be the reason he died after only 10 years.

I have a few more questions though. My 55gal tanks is said to be much too small, although it's deeper than, and the same thickness front to back as the 100 gal+ tanks I can find. They all seem long and thin! Can I wait until he grows some as he's only 5" long and still has 7" to spare when turning around? Is this size tank why he's a slow grower?

Also, none of my local pet stores have muscles, or snails for feeding. They do have frozen bloodworms, and shrimp like foods, and dried krill. Is there a good source for ordering muscles and cockle? Can you raise them like I'm doing the snails?

Sorry for all the questions, I'm trying to raise this one correctly.

The tank size could be contributing to slow growth.

What are your water levels, ammonia, nitrite and nitrates? Those are good indicators if things like hormones, etc are building up in the water and slowing his growth, which isn't healthy for any fish.

The larger tank you can get him in, the better, as soon as possible. You can get away with a smaller tank for a while, but its a lot more work and a lot more risk to the fish.

Your local (well assorted) supermarket will more than probably have some kinds if fresh mollusc for human consumption.
I by my "shellfish" at such a place.

I'll check with the supermarket, I hear that frozen cocktail shrimp are good to feed them? I have my water checked by the pet store weekly. Is this often enough? What are the dangers of the smaller tank?

Frozen cocktail shrimp are okay to use.. IF they are not cooked and are shell on. The shell wears down the puff's teeth.

lwbfl wrote:I'll check with the supermarket, I hear that frozen cocktail shrimp are good to feed them? I have my water checked by the pet store weekly. Is this often enough? What are the dangers of the smaller tank?

It would be advisable to purchase your own test kit tomonitor the water yourself

The dangers of a smaller tank are that the fish will become stunted, causing health issues and premature death.

Yes, definitely get a good test kit. Not one with strips, but a liquid kit. I recommend Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Freshwater Master Test Kit, which contains all of the basics you need.

I get most of my seafood from the grocery store. Just check the ingredients and make sure there's nothing added to them.

Boxermom wrote: Yes, definitely get a good test kit. Not one with strips, but a liquid kit. I recommend Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Freshwater Master Test Kit, which contains all of the basics you need.

I have this test kit and it does the job nicely and is very straight forward to use. By testing the water it will help you understand what is going on in your tank