Dwarf Puffers

[Ralph]

Hi there peeps this is a first time post on any fishie forum. my Son wants to upgrade to these cute looking suckers, from the normal type fish. he's going to trade in a Plec, 2 x Hoplo catfish, 2 x Siamese loaches, and Red Tailed Shark for a group of those lovely Dwarfs. He has a 16 Gall tank with a footprint 30(L)x12(W)x18(D). It will have sand substrate (Tesco's playsand) which is also used in my daughters Chiclid (Tangs) setup with some wood, plenty of plants both plastic and real. We're going to have ago at the DIY caves and adapt a coconut cave. We're looking at getting about 6 should this number be 1 male and 5 females or 2 + 4. Or could more be homed. Although it may turn out to be pot luck as this LFS doesn't try for specific fish due to causing stress. Can we put a couple of apple snails in the tank as well, that way any baby snails could be lunch, or would they still be to tough. Looking forward to your responses.

 

[SPLiSH]

to the forums!

Although I've never had puffers before I'd think 2 + 4 would be a better option. With only one male, he might feel left out and want a bit more testosterone around. (Please correct me if I'm wrong, someone.)

Good luck!

 

[Erised]

I think 6 puffers in a 15G will be too much, sorry. The rule tends to be 5G a dwarf puffer. I've personally kept 3 in a 15G and had to remove 1 male that just did not want to leave the other 2 alone, 2 however worked fine. Seeing as I already couldnt pull off 3, I really wouldnt go for more than 4 in a 15G! Best thing would be 1 male and 3 females I think.

--Edit-- for the snails
You could try and keep apple snails in with them, however chances of them becoming lunch as well are high. Even when the snail is too big for them they tend to attack till they can either eat the head or the snail simply dies because of too many injuries. I think its best to use a different tank for breeding snails.

 

[jflowers]

Puffers, regardless of size don't like tank mates, I would go with 2 at most and see how it goes. They just don't like company.

Jon

[EDIT: Erised beat me too it, I will add though that I keep two SAP's with 11 adult Apple snails ALTHOUGH I did get them breeding and eggs hatching before introducing the puffers, that way I think the puffers have a supply of decent sized snails to snack on and leave the adults alone. That said, SAP's are considered the most peaceful of puffers ( ) and dwarfs are not, so beware)]

 

[Ralph]

Well we've traded in the fish have credit note in tow. We've set the tank up and have 5 x Glow light Tetras and 2 Khulis to assist with the cycling of the Tank. Should be ready in a couple of weeks (also used water from 2 other tanks and the original filter media to speed things up). I think I'm as eager to get them as my son is. Will post pics when up and running.

 

[Erised]

This might be a stupid question, but you are taking these fish out before adding the dwarfs, right? Dwarf puffers really should not be kept with any other fish, though if you're very lucky you might pull off keeping a bristlenose plec with them for clean up duties. If you were planning on keeping them in as well, please do not get the dwarfs seeing as they Will stress out your fish/nip their fins and most likely kill them.

 

[Ralph]

Yes, they will be coming out. They're there purely to speed up the cycling process. We've another tank that can be used as a hospital tank. But saying that I've told Ryan that we'll be looking at the end of the month, which surprisingly enough he was happy with.