I want a puffer

[swammy]

Ok, here's my deal. I want a puffer pretty bad now. I am really concerned that if I end up getting one, I will lose fish. It seems that, from what I have read in different topics on here, most puffers aren't very good tank mates. Can anyone recommend a good puffer website to me? Anyone have any advice? I am mostly looking at the figure 8 puffer. That seems to be the main one that the LFS around here have. Thanks in advance for the help!!

 

[diVer]

Puffers really need to be in a species only tank. Probably the most docile would be the South American bet even then you're taking a risk. Also figure 8 puffers need brackish water to survive. So they wouldn't work in either of your tanks.

 

[Rudy2860]

why not try dwarves?

do a search on them i'm sure you'll find some very good sites with tons of info on them. They are smaller and can be housed in smaller tanks compared to some other commonly sold puffers. Also they are FW which some people see as being eaiser to maintain. But if you try this out please cycle the tank before adding the puffers, make sure there is proper filtration for your tank, enough hiding spots/caves available for the amount of puffers you have and you can supply them with the proper maintenaince/diet (ie snails for their beak and a well balanced diet).

 

[swammy]

Grrr.....that really sucks. I was hoping for a puffer. Fortunately for the fish, I am not going to put them in a potentially harmful environment. I am just not as entertained with my guppies and my platties. Don't get me wrong, I love all my fish, but I was just hoping for a strange addition to my tank. Well, I'm sure you know what you're talking about, and I won't take the chances. Thank you for your advice, as much as I didn't want to hear it. Happy fishkeeping to you all!

 

[diVer]

I hope you're able to get some in the future, they really are great fish to watch.