Quote:
Originally Posted by
jesseh83 http:///forum/thread/385006/puffer-tank-mates#post_3374728
My wife wants a dogface puffer but I have a 55 gal tank and I think it will out grow that tank real quick. Is there a better choice of puffer I can put in that tank that will last longer. Also what are some good tank mates for a puffer. I don't want to make an aggressive tank because I might want to put a box fish in there as well. I know the issues with box fish but I don't know too much about puffers, just that some are real jerks.
A Dog Face would not be a good match for a 55G. You'd be much better suited looking into the Canthigaster group of puffers, usually referred to as "tobies." The Leopard Puffer is one of the smallest saltwater puffers and only gets to about 3-4".
I know you're also thinking about a reef. The toby group is a little safer than some of the larger puffers such as the dog face.
As for the compatibility, you probably are better off with semi-aggressive fish that can hold their own (clowns, dwarf angels, hawkfish, foxface, lionfish, some tangs). If you do choose the puffer, one of the ways to cut down on aggression and also cut your chances of it nipping corals are to add it last to the tank, or close to last in the stocking order. This way, the other fish can establish territory before the puffer is introduced. From what I've seen, well fed, healthy tobies, usually don't nip their tank mates. Tobies that are added to tanks that already have corals and are kept well fed usually don't pick at corals too much.
