Want to Setup Dwarf Puffer Tank

[Flumpus]

My wife wants to get me a 10 gallon tank for our anniversary, so I can set it up for a dwarf puffer and keep on my desk. I've got to admit I'm excited about it, but want to make sure I know what I'm doing first. My plan is to get a 10 gallon, use a sand substrate, get a light good enough for slow growing plants (I don't want it going crazy... any suggestions on how powerful a light would be good enough?), and start off with a few plants. I'd probably get some smaller rocks to make a little cave. Obviously I'd let it cycle, then add a dwarf puffer, maybe two if I do get the 10 gallon.

Does that sound reasonable? Is there anything special I need to have for the dwarf puffer that I didn't mention? I plan on feeding it frozen bloodworms that I already have, and the occasionaly live brine shrimp or something. Thanks for your help...

 

[spAcE mOnkEy]

I'm also planning on gettin a dwarf puffer tank, but the tank i have is only 5 1/2 gallons. I have had it sitting for a while with other fish in it probably cycled. I have an 18 watt compact florescent light on it, and im growing some "lucky" bamboo, also wanted to get some javamoss and java ferns. But i think you could probably grow some plants with a regular florescent bulb, about 10 watts or so. Sounds like you got all of the basic requirements covered, but just remember you should feed them small snails every month or so, this way their beaks grind down and wont over grow. If their beaks do over grow it can become a problem when they try to eat.

 

[Flumpus]

Ah, yes, I knew about the snails, just forgot about it. Will my LFS have the snails I need? Just normal little snails?

 

[vi3t88]

Ah, yes, I knew about the snails, just forgot about it. Will my LFS have the snails I need? Just normal little snails?

[snapback]918784[/snapback]​

from what i've known so far yes your lfs should have pest snails in their tanks, those will do! btw flumpus do you have aim, msn or yahoo?if you do please pm me your contact info!

 

[Flumpus]

Just a little update... I've got the tank setup and just put in the first bit of ammonia to start cycling. Of course, as with most things, I got to the store and started thinking "that 20 gallon isn't much more than the 10, I could make it brackish, and get a Figure 8!" So of course I ended up with a 29g tank right here by my desk. Plan is to put a Figure 8 in there, try a goby or two, and if those don't work out get a second Figure 8. I've got a black sand substrate, mixed with crushed coral for the PH, and I've started adding salt. I want to see if the hydrometer even registers anything tomorrow morning before I add any more. I'm looking forward to the experience and challenges that come with a brackish tank, and certainly look forward to my brackish fish!