Dwarf Puffer

[kiriyama]

Hi I have a fishbox 48ltr sitting empty, not sure but was toying with the idea of finding out about DPs, LFS has lost of various puffers in just now, really like green spotted but feel dwarf puffer more suitable due to size.
Is tank big enough (roughly 10gall) ?
Soft or hard pH ?
I seen Bumblebee Gobies and wondered if these would make good tank mates ?
OR Khuli loaches, any other suitable tank mates?
Would I need an external filter ? I hear they produce a lot of waste.....
Any info greatly appreciated

 

[lilacamy931]

Hello
Welcome to the world of puffs! That tank is perfect for dwarves, you could have 2 most likely three (being 12.7 US gallons). As to Ph I have hard ph 8 and they were fine and also know others have kept in softer, the main thing is for stable params that dont change and vary.

As to the bumblebee gobies, I would say pass on these and perhaps try with otos once the tank is well cycled and seasoned. It is a risk adding any tankmates to the mix with puffs especially dwarves as they are very nippy creatures. You will need to have a back up plan if they show aggresion and be prepared for the risk. The key to puffer tanks is good filtration as they are messy creatures and also that there is lots of decoration and broken lines of sight to lessen aggression.

With filtration, hang on the back or internal works, whatever you can get hold of as long as it can cope with the bioload. Say you have the 10g go for a larger filtration turn over.

These are cute little blimps full of personality, if you decide not add any tankmates you wont miss it as the puffs themselves are gorgeous.

One point to note is best to have 2 females to 1 male ratio or if having two 1 male and 1 female. How can you tell? The males tend to have blue eye wrinkles and generally a line down their belly (though the line can impress the dominant puff). It can be difficult if they are juvies but always can exchange them out as they grow or maybe you get lucky and they behave, they all have varying personalities!

Hope that helps!

 

[kiriyama]

I have to admit I am very tempted but don't want to rush in or do it on an impulse.
I have tons of large pieces of slate that could be used on the substrate and in the corners and stacked vertically as has been in the past,be nice to set up a planted tank, would probably just be Java Fern and Elodea(spelling?), also have a very large piece of bogwood/mopani(not sure?), it's to big for the 95ltr but I could break a smaller piece from it,I have seen ottos but don't know anything about the size they get to, only thing I do know is try get the ones that have been in the shops a while as the will have been feeding, do they only eat algae or would they eat all the scraps that the puffer leaves....

 

[lilacamy931]

Set up sounds good, one of the good thing with puffers is that they are pretty hardy and generally as long as the tank has lots decor and interesting things arent too fussy. I think it is great you are not diving in, have a read around more and see how others have got on

As to otos these I havent had myself (well attempted to once but the poor thing died before it even made it to the tank). The basics I can say from memory and quick look on the internet is they get 1-2 inches. Real name Otocinclus. They are algae eaters though you will need to substitute their diet with pellets an such. They do need to go into an established tank so give these special thoughts as may have to rearrange and reintroduce the puffers to give the otos a chance, also be prepared to move them if not accepted.