Dog face puffer companions

[eerie]

I have a Dog Face Puffer that is constantly eating all of my inverts. I'm trying to find good little creatures that will scavenge their way through the tank and clean it without being eaten by the puffer. I've had my algae and debris control taken care of for years, but ever since the addition of this guy, my tank seems to be getting dirtier and dirtier (due to him eating everything).
Which ones would be best? Urchins, Starfish, Crabs, Cucumbers, Snails, Shrimp, Clams, Conchs??? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[adee]

I must say, I cant wait to hear the answer to this thread!! I have a few blue legs that have made it in our tank but we have next to NO clean up crew too because of the puffer. Were getting ready to add a few new fish in the tank and keep putting it off because im frustrated with the dogface my husband just "had" to have...

 

[eerie]

well hopefully we'll find an answer!!!

 

[rcreations]

Well, I've had a large baseball size strawberry hermit crab that has lived with triggers and puffers. But I'm not sure how practical that'd be for your tank. They tend to go after small fish.
Forget about stars. I tried keeping chocolate chip stars and the puffers eat those too.

 

[hunt]

i have a small hermit crab in my 30 gallon tank with a valentini puffer and the puffer hasnt really looked at it. (but then again ive only had the puffer for a week now and i had to move my urchin into another tank) i also have two turbo snails but it is still a small puffer

 

[eerie]

My tank is really starting to get that nasty look to it. Algae is starting to grow, because my snail and crab population is diminishing everday. I've been feeding this guy like crazy so that maybe he won't harm anythign else in the tank, but it doesn't seem to be doing anything (other than polluting my water.) I really need a good solid 'cleaner crew'!

 

[rcreations]

Puffers are some of the messiest fish. One puffer produces as much waste as 3 or more regular fish. Add to that the fact that they'll eat your cleanup crew and you have a problem. That's why it's good to keep them in a large tank, with a very good skimmer. Also, don't think that just because you feed them a lot that they won't eat your CUC. They will and if you feed them so much, you'll just create more waste in your tank.

 

[garick]

Yea they kinda HAVE to eat crustaceans because of their teeth. Doing so leaves a lot of bits and pieces laying around to stagnate and foul the water.

 

[albm]

this si an expensive way to do it but what i did and still do is i buy clean up crews and he enjoys a few things but leaves the majority and it takes a good month or 2 before i start to see algae again each package some things survive i currrently have a coral banded about 5 or 6 sand sifting snails no stars plenty of hermits small enough there not worth his time and some other inverts like i said its an expensive way but it seems about the only way. ps ive never had a star urchin or anemone stay he eats all of them first

 

[srfisher17]

A CUC is not a cure-all. Good water circulation, good skimming,and a well-maintained mechanical filter, (and I like Chemi-Pure) should keep your water nice & clean. I don't keep any inverts and have almost 700 gals of FOWLR tanks (+ sumps) with very clean & crystal clear water. A CUC is nice, even cute; but hardly necessary. They can help a little, but (IMO) , mostly a marketing gimmick.

 

[eerie]

Thank-you all for the words of wisdom!
It seems like I bought more than I bargained for with this guy! I currently use Chemi-Pure Elite right now and it seems to be working wonders! I guess a CUC is out of the question with a Dog Face Puffer. What other fish companions would be suitable with the puffer? I really like this guy, despise his messy behaviors.
Also, is there any treatments or conditioners that I can put in my tank to ensure a healthy, clean and clear water environment? (Kind of a side question, but I've been awfully curious. I see so much available to buy, but not sure what stuff will work and be safe!)

 

[hunt]

i have a small hermit crab my puffer ignores try some small hermit crabs, it also wont eat my turbo snails

 

[eerie]

So far, I've had the nest luck with my Crown Conchs. They're about 2-3 inches each and I have 6 of them in the tank. The puffer seems ot be leaving them alone.