brackish tank setup

Question
Hello, I've got a nice little viciously hungry 2 inch green spotted puffer in a 10 gallon tank with a swift current. And yes, he will be getting a bigger tank when he's about 4 inches if not sooner. He will readily accept krill and shrimp and I'll pull a snail out of my quarantine tank for him about 3 times a week. I was wondering how exactly should a tank like this be set up. I was thinking about re-doing his tank and making it more natural for him and was wondering what exactly is a natural environment for a fish like this. I have the salt and the filter and I was just wondering what kind of decor would be natural for him (i.e. sand vs. gravel and plants vs. rocks etc.). You've helped him before (in sickness) and I just wanted to know what his surroundings should be since you've appeared to be very knowledgeable in your other puffer related responses so I've come to the best! Thanks in advance!

Will

Answer
Hi Will,
Green spotted puffers like most puffers really appreciate a well-decorated tank with plenty of hiding places and places to explore.
As well as open swimming room.

Substrate like Aragonite or crushed coral substrates help keep your water's around a pH of about 8. Which is preferable for puffers. But if your water is naturally at a high pH, this isn't as important and the substrate doesn't matter much, they do prefer a finer substrate. A mix of sand and gravel will work too. Regular sand has its drawbacks, with the problem if it becoming impacted and developing anerobic spots. Though if maintained properly it can work just fine. That basically means disturbing it regularly. A tank of fine gravel or sand decorated with lots rocks, plants, and caves is the ideal tank as Puffers are most comfortable in a tank such as this.

Just remember (I know you already know this likely) to make sure the new tank is completely cycled before putting your little puffer in. They cannot stand poor water quality of any sort.

Best wishes and you should look here for more info on puffers too!
http://www.petfish.net/kb/entry/128/

Karen~