Argh ! I Am Kicking Myself !

[sjcneedshelp321]

After agreeing with myself that i would only buy 2 Dwarf Puffers for my 8.5 gal, i went to go and buy some and they seemed SO small, i was kinda wondering if maybe 2 was not enough, it seemed like it was a bit of a waste of a tank, soo i asked the guy how many i could get in there, and he said 6. i was thinking that seemed reasonable, and there were 6 for a tenner, so i got back to the house and released them, kept the light off and then turned it on the next morning, and they all seem to be getting on quite well, but i feel like such a goon for going along with that guy ! at the moment they are only like say 1 cm long and there are no signs of aggression to each other, what can i do? will they be ok untill they grow up? please some advice, no flaming, i realise my mistake lol.

Cheers Sam

 

[starrynightxxi]

my (limited) understanding of dwarf puffers is that they really can't be kept together like that. I've heard of folks who keep a breeding pair, but in larger tanks because they will rip into each other and other fish...

 

[Loko17]

I'm definately no expert but from what I've read from other people on the site is that they can be kept in pairs. I dont know if its 2 males will be ok or just 2 females or 1 male 1 female but I'd say 6 is out of the question for a 8.5 gallon tank.

 

[pica_nuttalli]

dwarf puffers are notorious for turning very aggressive as they get older. there is absolutely no way that all 6 will make it to adulthood in an 8.5g. but the good news is that you should have a couple of months before you have to upgrade.

6 dps with each one needing about 3g of territory means that you'll need at least a 20g, a very heavily planted one. think of it as an opportunity to start your first Amano-style planted aquarium.

 

[Erised]

Even in a 20G you can not be certain that they'll all get along and will all survive. I had 3 in a 15G and they most definatly did not get along, no matter how many plants or caves I put in there. I really recommend you try and get some 5G tanks for back up incase you need to seperate them quickly.
I'd also say that 5G is the min for a dp, not the 3G that was stated above. This is however, something that many people argue about. So that will be completely up to you

 

[Miss Wiggle]

well cosidering you asked the lfs what was a suitable number, if he's sold you too many just go back say you've researched and it's way too many and that you want to return the extra ones, you've a great case for getting your money back.

 

[sjcneedshelp321]

yeah i do know that 6 is too many, am very annoyed at myself ! but yes i think i will take back 4 of them, and leave two of the same size, a male and a female, and then bulk up the tank with plants, they are getting along at the moment though. and i will try very hard to get a refund, or just leave the puffers with them.

Cheers all

Sam