puffer?

Question
hey,
so i've got a 10 gal with a topfin filter. i was thinkin about putting a figure 8 puffer in it. i've been talkin to a few other people about it. i've got experience with with south american cichlids but not these guys. i've got a few other questions like can it be only freshwater. (can any puffer tank be only freshwater)
what should i feed it how much and how often.
how often should i gravel vac, how much.
i need pretty much any advice u wanna give me.
thanks a lot man

Answer
Hello Rob,

In my view figure 8 puffers are one of few select pufferfish that thrive in freshwater conditions. The other, Tetradoan Suvatti, is five times the size and 20 times more aggressive than the F8.

Although they will tolerate brackish and even full marine conditions they seem to thrive in full freshwater. They originate from southeast Asia and are best kept alone.

Puffers are stubborn and most wild caught puffers won't accept anything other than live food. Live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, worms, shrimp etc will all be appreciated. Puffers can be weaned onto dead foods but it is a long and drawn out process.

All puffers are filthy fish, producing huge amounts of waste when killing, eating and excreting foods. However, they are prone to high levels of ammonia and nitrites so 25% water changes should be done regularly with reverse osmosis water (RO). You should try and keep your water as neutral as possible, with dH 5 - 12. Temperature should be maintained at a constant 72-79F (22-26C).

F8's are widely considered to be one of the more docile puffers on the market. However, I would never recommend a puffer for a community set-up. They have a habit of going schizo and destroying everything they see. Whilst they are renown for their interest in almost anything they have gained a reputation as a bit of a fin-nipper.

They tend to lurk near the bottom of the tank, so I would recommend a finer substrate so they don't damage their delicate body/ fins when resting on the bottom.

f8's don't really spawn to well in captivity so if you have any success getting them to breed then let me know!

Good luck!

Tom