Dwarf Puffer Tank...

[anthony6377]

I know you guys are sick of answering questions about these little guys but I have a question that I only found minimal information about. If I keep a single DP in a 12 gallon tank, would it need to be heavily planted? I know that when you keep multiple individuals they seek shelter in the plants and it breaks up their sightlines leading to a lower aggression level. I don't really want the hassle of dealing with live plants but I don't really like the look of fake plants. To be honest with you I would really prefer no plants but I want the best environment for the little guy. My best guess would be that it should still be planted but doesn’t necessarily have to be as heavily planted. I figured it would be worth asking you guys though.

Okay, now here's another question. Does anyone have any experience with keeping DP in an aquarium equipped with the Eclipse hood (the combined filter and light)? I am thinking of picking up an Eclipse System 12 for the tank even though I know an Eclipse 6 would be sufficient. Does the filter do a good enough job seeing that these guys are known for being messy? Also, is the light bright enough? I read that DPs prefer a bright light. Also, seeing that the price difference between the Eclipse 12 and the Eclipse 6 isn't very large, the 12 gallon would be a better alternative, correct? I am worried that s/he will be difficult to find in a larger tank but I would rather him have more room. I also like the idea of adding some Bumble Bee Gobis if I come across any so the space seems like it would come in handy. If for some odd reason s/he would prefer the 6 or if it would really make it that much easier to observe the little guy, please let me know. Alright, I lied, I asked a couple more questions.

 

[SirMinion]

With only one puffer in the tank it wouldn't have to be heavily planted, but in the wild dwarf puffers live in the weeds at the edges of rivers so the would still prefer it planted . They don't have to be real plants though, plastic or silk is fine.

That eclipse 12 tank sounds fine, even with the combined system as you're only adding one puffer. Just make sure to vaccum the sand regulaly and remove uneaten fod promptly.

The light level will also be fine as dwarf puffers are happy at any light level from moderate to bright.

Bumblebee gobies are also appropriate tankmate, but only IF you can fine the tre freshwater species, and they are hard to come by.

The more comonly sold BBGs are sold as freshwater but are actually brackish and will die within a few months.

 

[anthony6377]

Thanks for the response! I have another question maybe you or someone could help me with. I was reading a lot of threads over at #### and those people seem to swear by Bio-Spira. I did a search here and it also seems like people love it. I am a bit confused by this though. Does adding it to the tank eliminate the need to cylce it? Just seems too easy. Also, any online retailers? I did a quick search and came up with nothing. Thanks!

 

[fishwatcher]

I used Bio-Spira on one tank to cycle it and it did so in 3 days with only minimal amounts of amm and nitrites registering. I very small water changes each day after the 2nd day to make sure it was fairly harmless to the fish in it. I will not ever set up a tank again with out it. Since a small pouch treat up to 30 gal, and it only runs about $10, it's too easy/cheap not to. Otherwise you have to either do a fishless cycle (taking lots of time and you'll spend $ on the tests and ammonia) or a fish cycle which will take lots of time and can kill the fish you're using to cycle it. In my mind there is no reason not to use Bio Spira. Just make sure that you either add food/ammonia to the tank or that you add it with the fish. If you add just the bio spira with nothing for it to feed on, the bacteria will die and you'll be back at square one. Also, make sure it's not expired and that the lfs you're getting it from has kept it refrigerated.
Hope this helps!

 

[mandi]

I use an eclipse tank for my DPs and it's seemed to work well so far (had them for about 3 months now I think). The lighting is definately adequate, and the filtration seems to be good as long as you keep up with cleaning up food left-overs