Puffer Problems

[therrman9813]

I have a porcupine puffer that I've had for a year he's normally the most veracious eater in the tank but lately he hasn't been eating and I know its because of the four new damsels I introduced o the tank about 2 weeks ago. they are fast eaters and he eats but not fast, he's stressed out by all the new movement and he doesn't look like he's going to adapt to it. So with that I mind i'm going to get rid of the fast eaters but I would like to replace them with other fish that are slower eaters like puffers. I heard cowfish are slower eaters but i'm wondering if u guys have any other suggestions to fill up my tank?
Its a 55 gallon. it been set up for two years, condy anemone In the tank, as well as a cleaner shrimp and hermit crabs

 

[mr llimpid]

I have to say it, I hope you have plans for upgrade it will grow to 10" and needs a 180gal tank to live a long and happy life. Most box need a larger tank as well and if stressed it will release a toxin into the water, which will kill all your fish. For a 55gal tank that isn't an aggressive eater look into a dwarf angle, anglers, frogs, basslets may work and cardinalfish.

 

[therrman9813]

Thanks!! and yes I already have a 200 gallon cycling right now so that shouldn't be a problem, thanks for the help!!

 

[mr llimpid]

Nice, would like to see a picture of your new set up.

 

[stevieb718]

What do you guys think about blue dot puffers?

 

[therrman9813]

Depends on what kind of tank you are going to put him in, they will pick at corals, crabs, and snails when you first introduce them so a reef tank might not be a good thing to put him in. But it also depends on your feeding, if you feed often enough the puffer will get lazy and wont bother the crabs or snails.

 

[therrman9813]

All in all they are very cool fish (not to mention its awesome skin color), and like all puffers, have interesting personalities.

 

[stevieb718]

I put him in a 125 with plenty of live rock with 3 striped damsels, 3 domino damsels, 2 cleaner shrimp and a blue lobster..

 

[stevieb718]

I feed about 2 to 3 times a day..

 

[therrman9813]

well with feeding that often the puffer wont pick at the shrimp or lobster, he will get lazy quick, why fight for your food when it falls from the sky