Congo Puffer

[joloco]

hello

just bought a new congo puffer (growing collection of puffers here ) but before i go and collect him it suddenly struck me that the sand in the tank i have ready for him might be too coarse - its coral sand (don't worry its never been used in a marine tank) and i'm bit worried that when he digs himself in he'll damage himself...

 

[joloco]

hmmm - worrying myself into a state where i might just change it anyway...

 

[nmonks]

Your problem with the coral sand isn't whether it's been used in a marine tank (which couldn't matter less, in fact) or that the fish might get scratched (it won't) but that it is highly calcareous. Your pufferfish will probably tolerate very hard, alkaline water just fine, but over the long term you want to aim for neutral, moderately hard water. I'd be looking at black or some other dark aquarium sand. Silica would also work, but the "lightness" of the colour does tend to make pufferfish feel a little exposed and consequently they wash-out there colours. A dark volcanic or river sand will make them feel more at home. Big bags of this dark sand can be bought at places like Maidenhead aquatics for around £12, and these big bags should be enough for a 20-30 gallon tank. Add a few bits of rock and some bogwood with Java fern, and voila, a beautiful, puffer-friendly home!

Cheers,

Neale

 

[joloco]

you're a fountain of knowledge today!!

 

[nmonks]

Well, one tries.

Neale

you're a fountain of knowledge today!!