Porcupine Puffer in a reef?

[elitephoto]

I was told today that I can put a porcupine puffer in my reef tank and it wont harm my reef fish(tangs) my shrimp, snails and such... Anyone have any personal experience with this? I was about to start up a 2nd tank just to house a porcupine puffer but if I dont have to I dont want to

 

[mmm33732]

i had a small one in mine for a few months. it liked to eat 25 dollar cleaner shrimp for snacks though, so it was removed after eating 2 of them. never harmed any corals though. i know someone who has a very large one in her reef without any issues at all. i believe it leaves her shrimp and everything alone. i've never heard of one eating corals personally, only shrimps, snails, and other small inverts like that.

 

[elitephoto]

hmm, yeah I dont want all my snails and shrimp eaten either. That would suck!

 

[jkcrumb]

Originally Posted by ElitePhoto
hmm, yeah I dont want all my snails and shrimp eaten either. That would suck!

I had both a PP puffer and a dog face puffer before I got into corals..........both were AWSOME but both tore my cleaning crew apart. the Porcupine wasn't as aggressive as the dog face but it still went after my snails and shrimp. some people say to just keep them very well fed so they leave everything alone but that will increase you bioload and nitrates.......that means more water changes more often

good luck and let us know how u make out if decide to get them

 

[elitephoto]

Thanks guys. May have to set up the other tank if I decide to do this.

 

[reefstar22]

I wouldn't suggest a PP in a reef tank. - I run an aggressive reef with a limited crew. - But i've been told PP's will nip at corals.

 

[ophiura]

A puffer will absolutely eat snails, shrimp, crabs and any hard shelled invert as well as seastars and several other inverts.
Whomever told you it was OK is likely selling you something.

 

[elitephoto]

No it was someone from the -- site. Had nothing to sell me she said she had one in her reef and have never had any issues. so it got me thinkin haha. ill stay away from the PP in this tank

 

[ledzep fan]

Hey have actual experience with this, I have a Porcupine puffer in my reef tank and doesn't bother anything. The trick is not to drop your inverts on the sand or rock but place them. Mine has never touched any coral or anything. I guess I got lucky

 

[ophiura]

Coral would be safe, but their natural diet consists of snails, crustaceans, urchins, seastars, etc. It would be highly unusual, IMO, for them not to ever eat these things.

 

[84chris]

Im guessing i might have the same friend as someone else, but i wouldnt recommend it , but my friend does have a 7-8" porcupine puffer in her reef tank withcoral, shrimp, snails, and hermits with no problems, But she does feed it regulary.