Stars and Stripes Puffer

[TriniStylez]

What is the min. tank size for a S&S Puffer? I have been reading care sheets all over and I get different answers from 55G (which cant be close) to 180G which seems big for a minimum...

It will be of course a FOWLR tank and he will be the only fiah in the tank. I have a Tunze Skimmer rated for 240G that I will use.

What size tank are you guys keeping your S&S in?

[PuffersKick]

Mine started off in a 90 gallon tank and he outgrew that QUICK. So I upgraded to a 225 and he seems happy. But the bigger the better for those guys!

[XtrmCHoPZ]

Depends on the size of the fish.....If its a young fish, only a few inches long then you could keep it in a 55g for awhile.... However, not long. Once it grows up it will need at least a 6ft 125g tank, with a 180 or 210 being better, 300g or bigger being ideal! I would say only put it in a 55g if you serioulsy plan on upgrading. Otherwsie dont bother.

[TriniStylez]

I was never planning on putting one in a 55G! That would be terrible! I was thinking of a 125G but just am not sure if that is big enough?

[T-T-Trigger]

I agree at least a 125, but it will be small for an adult, especially if you are stocked with other large fishes as well. Once you see a big foot long puffer - it will be clear I think.!

[TriniStylez]

No other fish at all. I see a foot and a half puffer all the time at my brothers place so it is clear. Im just trying to figure out how well this would work...

[TriniStylez]

How long does it take for them to reach adult size?

[TriniStylez]

Anyone?

[cougarguy]

It wouldn't take a S&S very long to reach adult size.

I bought mine when he was 3.5" long and very thin and have had him for about 9 months and he is right about 9.5" long and thick. I feed him a 1-2" round piece every other day.

I had mine in a 75 gal tank and he out grew it in a few months so I had to get a bigger tank.

[TriniStylez]

Im wondering how long it would take to outgrow a 4x2x2? I plan on upgrading but not sure when I can...

[keefsama2003]

So i couldnt keep a S&S with say 2 angels a pair of clowns hosting an anemone and a powderblue tang in a 300?

[T-T-Trigger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9130612#post9130612 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by keefsama2003
So i couldnt keep a S&S with say 2 angels a pair of clowns hosting an anemone and a powderblue tang in a 300?


?

what? that question came out of the blue. lol. sure you could, why wouldn't you be able to?

[TriniStylez]

Hahaha...That was out of the blue!

So, does anyone know how fast S&S grow? I am thinking that it must be around an inch a month for the first year and then about an inch every six months or so...Making him a foot after a year and full grown around 3 or 4 years.

Sound right?

[keefsama2003]

well i want a S&S for my 300 and im just now doing research but im hearing here and there they they will kill other fish and they wont.

but i guess ill go ahead and order one and get it acclimated

[T-T-Trigger]

6 inches in a year is alot for a puffer, don't plan on any more than that. and once it hits that 10in. or so mark it will slow down growth lengthwise and just keep getting fatter and thicker. Bear in mind that fish lengths are also relative to the 'eye of the beholder' so to speak, not everyone sees things the same.


A S&S is one of the least likely next to the porc to eat other fish tankmates. They are peaceful, non-aggressive. As far as eating your anemone? i have no idea, but i don't think it would bother a large and/or potent one. ymmv

[TriniStylez]

Thanks T-T-Trigger, so you think he will be around 10 inches after one year? And then slow down in length but grow more in width?

In that case, a 4x2x2 120G might work for a year or so...

[cougarguy]

Yes it might work for a year maybe longer as long as there wasn't many other tank mates and he had enough swimming room.

keefsama2003- I would watch him with your anemone especially if it is something rare. My S&S ate 2 large haitian pink tips without even thinking about it.

[TriniStylez]

I am hoping it will work for a year. There will be no other tankmates at all and lots of swimming room. I also will be using a skimmer rated for 240G, so I think water quality should be great...

[keefsama2003]

Its just a regular BTA in the tank so should the S&S do anything to it its not like im out hundreds of dollars for it.