Stocking Recommendation?

sueandherzoo

sueandherzoo

Active Member
Hi. I posted my below note in the "Nano" section but receive zero replies so I'm thinking maybe I posted it in the wrong place.... maybe here instead?
I just set up my 12 gallon Instant Ocean 5 days ago so I know it's going to be a while before I can put ANYTHING in there, but it's never too soon to start planning and researching, right? Besides, the reading and window-shopping will keep me amused until I can put a fish in there. Right now staring at the live rock is actually keeping me pretty fascinated. I wandered around the LFS again after work today hoping to pick up a green plant or two but they had nothing. I've confirmed the fact that I love puffers - all of them, and probably should accept that I will need to have one in my tank. I've loved them for YEARS and now that I finally have a saltwater tank (even though it's tiny) I'd like to know if I can have one small puffer. (should I be successful at keeping a 12g healthy and if I become addicted (like there's any doubt?) then I will upgrade over the winter to a larger tank.
So, what type of puffer will stay small and what, if anything, can I put in with him? I'm assuming all I can have are two small fish in a 12 gallon. I also realize I probably can't have any inverts with a puffer but that's OK - it would be worth it to have a puffer.
Your thoughts?
Sue
 
kingsmith

kingsmith

Member
I don't really know but I think most will say you need a much bigger tank for a puffer. On a plus side I have had a spiny boxfish( I think thats what they call it) and he has not grown at all eats like a machine too. Puffers a definatly a great fish though lot of personality and adorable mine puffs up if I have not fed him and I am near the tank pouting like a child I love it
 
prime311

prime311

Active Member
Ignoring the fact that keeping decent water quality in a very small tank with a messy puffer is all but impossible, 12 gallon is too small for any puffer. Do yourself a favor and start with a 30 gallon or larger. Nano tanks are harder to care for and cost about the same.
 
sueandherzoo

sueandherzoo

Active Member
Thanks for the responses. Even though it's bad news it's honesty and frankness I was looking for. I am a lover of animals, any and all types, and their well-being is first and foremost. This "trial tank" is my test to see if I would be able to maintain healthy water parameters in a small tank..... I figure if I can do it in a 12 gallon then I should easily be able to do it in a much larger tank. I didn't want to go investing a fortune into a huge set up until I was certain that I was going to enjoy the hobby so come winter I'll decide if the 12-gallon becomes a quarantine tank or if the 12 gallon with only one or two small fish is as far as I'm going to go with the hobby. Apparently there is no puffer in my immediate future but it might make a great entry for my Christmas Wish List if I'm into a big set-up by then. Thanks again. I guess it's a clown fish and an anemone, and I realize I may not even be able to pull off an anemone with the basic set up I have. Off to do more reading!
Sue
 
prime311

prime311

Active Member
Actually smaller tanks are much less forgiving when it comes to maintaining water parameters. While larger tanks can take more planning and setup and obviously cost, it is much easier to maintain good water quality with more total gallons to dillute any problems.
 
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