2 gallon too small for df?

[dixaisy930]

I keep seeing tiny dwarf puffers in all of my lfs, and want to get one again (I had one in my 10 gallon tank awhile ago). I really can't put a dwarf puffer in my big tanks for one reason or another. I do have a two gallon, but I'm wondering if this would be too small for a dwarf puffer (that would be the only fish in it). I would eventually move it into a five gallon (around a year or so), but again, I'm not sure if it would be alright to keep it in a 2 gallon for any amount of time. Any input appreciated.

 

[MAM]

size wise, one would be fine in 2 gal. but dp's can be sensitive to poor water conditions. you'd need really good filtration and would need to keep on the water aquality. i started that way and moved to a 5 gal so i could have two. you will probably want to look into a 5 gal soon after.... its that puffer love you know

 

[dixaisy930]

I'm so glad someone said I could do it. I'll probably do more partial water changes, since they are so easy on a 2 gallon.

I'll probably give myself a ten gallon for a christmas or b-day present, since I'd evetually like to get two.

One lfs has real nice looking ones...they always have full bellies, and they are pretty small (even for dp's). I figure if they are that small, they'll probably be pretty young.

Better start prepping for the new puff....

 

[MAM]

if you want more reassurance, i posted this same question and was reassured by the the puffer guru, pufferpack. you may want to search for that post.

 

[LadyMinion]

I'm gonna have to butt in and say I wouldn't keep a DP in a tank that small. Ideally 5 gallons should be the minimum for one. I have four in a 20 gallon, and I frankly wouldn't like to imagine them having any less room for themselves. They need to be able to establish a territory, even if there are no other puffers around.

 

[subopposite]

Just because it can survive in a 2 gallon, does not make it a happy fish. I am 100% not attacking here, but I think anything less than a 10 gallon for any fish in the world is some form of cruelty. Besides the water not being very stable, I myself would hate to be put in a closet and stuck there.
I do appreciate how you had mentioned that you would be moving up in the future however. I also understand it is only one DP as well, so a huge tank is not needed.
My thoughts to you would only be to put yourself in the fishes situation. I am supportive on whichever decision you make however. I wouldn't mind seeing someone put a DP in a 2 gal. for an amount of time if they do the extra work that needs to be done with a 2 gallon tank. Much better than putting a DP in a 10 gallon and never taking care of it at all.
So, if you do a good job while it is in there, then I don't have much to complain about...even though it is too small IMO for a permanant fixture. Good luck with your new addition if you go that way.