How to entertain a puffer?

[Fishman1995]

I havent ever considered puffers in a community until tonight. I thought the only puffers that were Freshwater were Dwarf and Mbu. Then while i was researching (im always trying to learn more) I found the Amazon puffer. According to every article ive read so far they are peaceful enough for my tank BUT i do not know how to entertain them. With my Green Spotter Puffer they said to superdecorate the tank and i did and he still roamed the glass 24/7. I really want to make this tank were the puffer doesnt do that, so, please give me some advice on what to do to keep An Amazon Puffer happy?

Btw i know im always so wishy washy but now that i know i can keep a Puffer im all set, the only fish i love more than a betta is a puffer haha. Thanx in advance to all help i recieive *thumbsups

 

[Newman]

i cannot argue that puffers are captivating, and i myself almost bought one a long time ago lol.
decorating will indeed help. you probably used plastic plants right? well plant them right next to the glass and all around the glass (except maybe the front so that you can see the fish.) that way the puffer cant run the glass cuz plants are blocking it. add a population of snails so that he always has something to hunt, maybe add something like cherry shrimp too. just make him feel secure so that he wont try to get out of the tank and maybe dont make his background black or reflective cuz perhaps he's trying to get to a reflection?

 

[Fishman1995]

I agree he may have been after his reflection but puffers are also known to get "bored" and roam the glass outta bordum. I love you idea about the plants. I will do that and i am going to add a decorative background. Now, what can i feed him, will Freeze dried food be ok with a lil supplement once in awhile?

 

[achase]

Giving them live snails and such to hurt will entertain them as well as keep there peak from overgrowing. Plants are a good idea but be prepared for them to get damaged when the puffer is hunting. Also these Amazon Puffer's I believe you need to be very diligent about giving them snails and such to keep their peak's trimmed because I think their peaks get overgrown easily requiring you to trim the peak yourself.

I don't think I would suggest putting an Amazon Puffer in a community tank. I think they are best in species only tanks (when provided with the appropriate environment). If you do decide to home them in a community tank make sure to put the puffer in after you have all your other fish in place to avoid territorial issues and have a back up tank (already established because Puffers can tolerate cycling at all) to rehome the puffer if problems arise.

I would check out the Puffer Forum if you haven't already and get their ideas on it.

 

[Fishman1995]

Ive posted this questions on Fishlore as well as here. The Articles i read said the puffer was shy and can be kept in a community but will get Nippy at feeding time.

 

[prsturm]

You can set up a little TV and host viewings of Disney's "Finding Nemo".

 

[achase]

I would still post it on The Puffer Forum not that I have anything against Fishlore but the Puffer Forum will have a lot more people with Puffer experience. You could always try it but remembers SFP's need 15 gallons to themselves so you would only have 15 gallons to actually stock. Plus you would probably only want to add peaceful fish/under stock it nothing that could have territorial or aggression issues. Also note you should avoid copper products at all cost as it's toxic to Puffers.