Interested in keeping a puffer fish

Jsamper · 07/03/2012, 08:25 AM

I have a 4'x2'x2' fowlr tank and I'm interested in housing a Dog Face Puffer or a Porcupine puffer which ever is less likely to attack the other inhabitants the better if you know of any others that would be more suitable please list, I would also like to know any tips that might come useful to once I acquire one. Ty

Jsamper · 07/03/2012, 11:18 AM

clowntriggerfis · 07/03/2012, 11:36 AM

If you are not dead set on a large puffer I would look into tobies. I personal love blue spotted puffers(C. solandri).

Jsamper · 07/03/2012, 11:39 AM

I kept one for a little bit but I found him to be really aggressive against my other fish like he would nip fins and even go against my tang, so I would like to try a larger puffer and see how that goes.

slowwrx137 · 07/03/2012, 02:10 PM

I have a 6"-7" porcupine puffer and he doesn't act aggressive, however his only tank mates are a large snowflake eel and urchin.

What else is currently in the tank?

NEK-ap24 · 07/03/2012, 02:49 PM

Size matters

I think of 120's like big 90's or even bigger 75's, (the benefit is really the extra volume for water quality and ease of aquascaping etc.) yes the extra depth and height offer slightly more swimming room, but not as much as I think you are hoping for.

For instance a 125 display is only 5 gallons more but is a 6' display so it offers more swimming room in a straight line for active swimmers/explorers. I think a 180 (6' x 2' x 2') would be a better choice yet.

Now that being said, the depth/height is great for larger less active fish, say a large Lionfish, I would think would be happier in a 120 opposed to a 125.

I wouldn't put an adult porcupine in a 4' display myself. If I could go back in time, I would buy an 8' display...but that gives me a good reason to plan an upgrade and that is always fun.

Good Luck, enjoy them

randomfishguy85 · 07/03/2012, 05:00 PM

get a dogface, you'll love him

flameNangel · 07/03/2012, 08:17 PM

Will puffers bug a dwarf lion like a trigger will?

Jsamper · 07/04/2012, 01:07 AM

I've seen triggers bite lion fish, its very possible that a puffer would do the same.

Jsamper · 07/04/2012, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NEK-ap24

Size matters

I think of 120's like big 90's or even bigger 75's, (the benefit is really the extra volume for water quality and ease of aquascaping etc.) yes the extra depth and height offer slightly more swimming room, but not as much as I think you are hoping for.

For instance a 125 display is only 5 gallons more but is a 6' display so it offers more swimming room in a straight line for active swimmers/explorers. I think a 180 (6' x 2' x 2') would be a better choice yet.

Now that being said, the depth/height is great for larger less active fish, say a large Lionfish, I would think would be happier in a 120 opposed to a 125.

I wouldn't put an adult porcupine in a 4' display myself. If I could go back in time, I would buy an 8' display...but that gives me a good reason to plan an upgrade and that is always fun.

Good Luck, enjoy them

I really appreciate the input I was leaning towards puffers because I've been looking for a large semi aggressive fish to become king of the tank to really balance my tank out.

jcmjoe · 07/04/2012, 06:41 AM

I have a 5 inch dogface in my 125 and he is a big baby. doesnt bother any of my crabs or snails and no other fish. He is very interactive too. My kids love him!!! Have fun.

bsagecko · 07/04/2012, 11:46 AM

I would probably not do a large puffer in 4ft display as previously mentioned. I think if your looking for a show fish...look at the variety of lionfish maybe even a yellow dwarf fuzzy kinda rare but definitely a show fish.

Also you might think of maybe the smaller triggers

What kind of fish are already in your tank?

Jsamper · 07/04/2012, 12:14 PM

I have a 4" yellow tang, two true percula clowns and a coral beauty angel.

bsagecko · 07/04/2012, 01:26 PM

So maybe a small trigger or a flame hawkfish or something along those lines?

randomfishguy85 · 07/04/2012, 04:15 PM

i would rather put a dogface puffer in a 4ft tank than a trigger to be completely honest. you dont hear of puffers getting aggressive like you do with triggers.With a puffer you get tons of personality, different variation in looks, and a fish that people will instantly be drawn to. I have a narrow lined puffer( arothron manilensis) and he is by far my favourite fish.

bsagecko · 07/04/2012, 08:29 PM

After thinking about what you said randomfishguy85...I think you are right...to be honest. So yep.

Also note that with small clownfish a lionfish is never an option. Never would have recommend one if i knew you had clownfish.

Jsamper · 07/05/2012, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randomfishguy85

i would rather put a dogface puffer in a 4ft tank than a trigger to be completely honest. you dont hear of puffers getting aggressive like you do with triggers.With a puffer you get tons of personality, different variation in looks, and a fish that people will instantly be drawn to. I have a narrow lined puffer( arothron manilensis) and he is by far my favourite fish.

Thanks for the input I'll make sure to look up your puffer.

Jsamper · 07/05/2012, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsagecko

After thinking about what you said randomfishguy85...I think you are right...to be honest. So yep.

Also note that with small clownfish a lionfish is never an option. Never would have recommend one if i knew you had clownfish.

I'm planning to move my clown and angel to a 20 long or a 30 long which I already own, sorry for not mentioning that.

fish042099 · 07/05/2012, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jsamper

I'm planning to move my clown and angel to a 20 long or a 30 long which I already own, sorry for not mentioning that.

Angel+20/30g=bad! Even for small angels 150 gallon minimum.

randomfishguy85 · 07/05/2012, 08:22 AM

150 gallons for a coral beauty angel fish? you do know its a dwarf angel right? i think 30 gallons is more than enough.

kv2wr1 · 07/05/2012, 09:16 AM

I've had a chromis, coral beauty and 2 clowns in a 40 breeder. Eventually they would all fight. It wasn't until I moved them all to a 75g did they get along again. I think it depend on the individual fish. Some might be fine in a smaller tank by themselves, but when in a community, they need their personal space just like we need our personal space.

bsagecko · 07/05/2012, 10:59 AM

Coral beauty and clownfish in a 30g long should be plenty.

Jsamper · 07/05/2012, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fish042099

Angel+20/30g=bad! Even for small angels 150 gallon minimum.

A Coral beauty angel can be housed for life in a 30 gallon aquarium, and my tank is a custom made 36 gallons to be precise but I appreciate your input but I think you either don't know I have a dwarf angel or you tried to type 50 gallon minimum.

Jsamper · 07/05/2012, 11:18 AM

I truly appreciate the input guys and I think I will go with Pterois radiata and will probably keep my coral beauty in my 120 because I really doubt he would be in any danger of being hunted down by the lion fish with the 90lbs of live rock that he has and the amount of caves I've constructed for him. I have read several books on the keeping of lionfish I just hope I receive a healthy specimen that will be willing to eat live food and then will come the task of weaning him off to frozen shrimp or whatever I find with the most nutrition.

bsagecko · 07/05/2012, 07:01 PM

seems awesome then gl.

07/03/2012, 08:25 AM	#1
Jsamper Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Malibu Posts: 105	Interested in keeping a puffer fish I have a 4'x2'x2' fowlr tank and I'm interested in housing a Dog Face Puffer or a Porcupine puffer which ever is less likely to attack the other inhabitants the better if you know of any others that would be more suitable please list, I would also like to know any tips that might come useful to once I acquire one. Ty

07/04/2012, 06:41 AM	#11
jcmjoe Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 213	I have a 5 inch dogface in my 125 and he is a big baby. doesnt bother any of my crabs or snails and no other fish. He is very interactive too. My kids love him!!! Have fun. __________________ Peace Current Tank Info: 125 fowlr, 30 gallon sump/refugium & 56 Gallon with fuge mixed fish and inverts

07/04/2012, 11:46 AM	#12
bsagecko Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 1,685	I would probably not do a large puffer in 4ft display as previously mentioned. I think if your looking for a show fish...look at the variety of lionfish maybe even a yellow dwarf fuzzy kinda rare but definitely a show fish. Also you might think of maybe the smaller triggers What kind of fish are already in your tank? __________________ There are three things that will never be believed- the true, the probable, the logical (Steinbeck) Obey little, Resist much Current Tank Info: Out of the Hobby until I have a Fortune :)

07/04/2012, 01:26 PM	#14
bsagecko Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 1,685	So maybe a small trigger or a flame hawkfish or something along those lines? __________________ There are three things that will never be believed- the true, the probable, the logical (Steinbeck) Obey little, Resist much Current Tank Info: Out of the Hobby until I have a Fortune :)

07/04/2012, 08:29 PM	#16
bsagecko Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 1,685	After thinking about what you said randomfishguy85...I think you are right...to be honest. So yep. Also note that with small clownfish a lionfish is never an option. Never would have recommend one if i knew you had clownfish. __________________ There are three things that will never be believed- the true, the probable, the logical (Steinbeck) Obey little, Resist much Current Tank Info: Out of the Hobby until I have a Fortune :)

07/03/2012, 11:18 AM	#2
Jsamper Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Malibu Posts: 105

07/03/2012, 11:36 AM	#3
clowntriggerfis Moved On Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 773	If you are not dead set on a large puffer I would look into tobies. I personal love blue spotted puffers(C. solandri).

07/03/2012, 11:39 AM	#4
Jsamper Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Malibu Posts: 105	I kept one for a little bit but I found him to be really aggressive against my other fish like he would nip fins and even go against my tang, so I would like to try a larger puffer and see how that goes.

07/03/2012, 02:10 PM	#5
slowwrx137 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 126	I have a 6"-7" porcupine puffer and he doesn't act aggressive, however his only tank mates are a large snowflake eel and urchin. What else is currently in the tank?

07/03/2012, 02:49 PM	#6
NEK-ap24 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: NEK Vermont Posts: 200	Size matters I think of 120's like big 90's or even bigger 75's, (the benefit is really the extra volume for water quality and ease of aquascaping etc.) yes the extra depth and height offer slightly more swimming room, but not as much as I think you are hoping for. For instance a 125 display is only 5 gallons more but is a 6' display so it offers more swimming room in a straight line for active swimmers/explorers. I think a 180 (6' x 2' x 2') would be a better choice yet. Now that being said, the depth/height is great for larger less active fish, say a large Lionfish, I would think would be happier in a 120 opposed to a 125. I wouldn't put an adult porcupine in a 4' display myself. If I could go back in time, I would buy an 8' display...but that gives me a good reason to plan an upgrade and that is always fun. Good Luck, enjoy them

07/03/2012, 05:00 PM	#7
randomfishguy85 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Ajax, Ontario Posts: 384	get a dogface, you'll love him

07/03/2012, 08:17 PM	#8
flameNangel Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 21	Will puffers bug a dwarf lion like a trigger will?

07/04/2012, 01:07 AM	#9
Jsamper Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Malibu Posts: 105	I've seen triggers bite lion fish, its very possible that a puffer would do the same.

07/04/2012, 12:14 PM	#13
Jsamper Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Malibu Posts: 105	I have a 4" yellow tang, two true percula clowns and a coral beauty angel.

07/04/2012, 04:15 PM	#15
randomfishguy85 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Ajax, Ontario Posts: 384	i would rather put a dogface puffer in a 4ft tank than a trigger to be completely honest. you dont hear of puffers getting aggressive like you do with triggers.With a puffer you get tons of personality, different variation in looks, and a fish that people will instantly be drawn to. I have a narrow lined puffer( arothron manilensis) and he is by far my favourite fish.

07/05/2012, 08:22 AM	#20
randomfishguy85 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Ajax, Ontario Posts: 384	150 gallons for a coral beauty angel fish? you do know its a dwarf angel right? i think 30 gallons is more than enough.

07/05/2012, 09:16 AM	#21
kv2wr1 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 413	I've had a chromis, coral beauty and 2 clowns in a 40 breeder. Eventually they would all fight. It wasn't until I moved them all to a 75g did they get along again. I think it depend on the individual fish. Some might be fine in a smaller tank by themselves, but when in a community, they need their personal space just like we need our personal space.

07/05/2012, 10:59 AM	#22
bsagecko Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 1,685	Coral beauty and clownfish in a 30g long should be plenty. __________________ There are three things that will never be believed- the true, the probable, the logical (Steinbeck) Obey little, Resist much Current Tank Info: Out of the Hobby until I have a Fortune :)

07/05/2012, 11:18 AM	#24
Jsamper Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Malibu Posts: 105	I truly appreciate the input guys and I think I will go with Pterois radiata and will probably keep my coral beauty in my 120 because I really doubt he would be in any danger of being hunted down by the lion fish with the 90lbs of live rock that he has and the amount of caves I've constructed for him. I have read several books on the keeping of lionfish I just hope I receive a healthy specimen that will be willing to eat live food and then will come the task of weaning him off to frozen shrimp or whatever I find with the most nutrition.

07/05/2012, 07:01 PM	#25
bsagecko Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 1,685	seems awesome then gl. __________________ There are three things that will never be believed- the true, the probable, the logical (Steinbeck) Obey little, Resist much Current Tank Info: Out of the Hobby until I have a Fortune :)