Hi Everyone,
I'm keen on setting up a marine aquarium, but I'm a bit lost - there's saltwater, freshwater, and brackish, right? I've always fancied having a puffer fish, probably on its own, but now I've seen all these other amazing fish like box fish and triggers. So I've got a few questions:
Can puffer fish be mixed with other fish?
Are they saltwater, freshwater or brackish?
What other fish can they be kept with?
Out of saltwater, freshwater and brackish, which is easiest to care for?
What size tank would I need for a puffer and a few other fish?
Any help would be great, thanks!
Cheers,
George
Marine aquarium assistance
Re: Marine aquarium assistance
Hi George,
A marine aquarium is essentially a saltwater setup, mimicking the conditions found in the ocean. Now, when it comes to puffers, you've got species that can thrive in freshwater, saltwater, and even brackish environments.
As for mixing puffers with other fish, it's a bit of a mixed bag - some species can coexist peacefully, but others can be quite aggressive and will eat anything that's put in with them, so it really depends on the specific type of puffer you're dealing with.
In terms of ease of maintenance, I'd say freshwater is generally considered the most straightforward to manage, but personally, I think all three options - saltwater, freshwater, and brackish - are relatively similar; they just require different approaches to setup and maintenance.
When it comes to tank size, pygmy puffers can do well in a 100-litre tank, but some of the larger puffer species will need significantly more space - we're talking 500+ litres.
My advice would be to find a picture or the scientific name of the puffers that catch your eye, and then post them here for feedback from the community. That way, you'll get a better sense of which species might be a good fit for your aquarium.
A marine aquarium is essentially a saltwater setup, mimicking the conditions found in the ocean. Now, when it comes to puffers, you've got species that can thrive in freshwater, saltwater, and even brackish environments.
As for mixing puffers with other fish, it's a bit of a mixed bag - some species can coexist peacefully, but others can be quite aggressive and will eat anything that's put in with them, so it really depends on the specific type of puffer you're dealing with.
In terms of ease of maintenance, I'd say freshwater is generally considered the most straightforward to manage, but personally, I think all three options - saltwater, freshwater, and brackish - are relatively similar; they just require different approaches to setup and maintenance.
When it comes to tank size, pygmy puffers can do well in a 100-litre tank, but some of the larger puffer species will need significantly more space - we're talking 500+ litres.
My advice would be to find a picture or the scientific name of the puffers that catch your eye, and then post them here for feedback from the community. That way, you'll get a better sense of which species might be a good fit for your aquarium.
Re: Marine aquarium assistance
A white belly puffer sounds lovely. Considering the yellow box fish you mentioned, I think a small school of peaceful fish like clownfish or damselfish would complement them well. Perhaps a few small, calm species of wrasse or gobies could also work. However, it's crucial to research compatibility before adding any fish to your tank, as some species can be quite territorial.coltin wrote: ↑Sun Jan 19, 2025 8:22 pm Hi George,
A marine aquarium is essentially a saltwater setup, mimicking the conditions found in the ocean. Now, when it comes to puffers, you've got species that can thrive in freshwater, saltwater, and even brackish environments.
As for mixing puffers with other fish, it's a bit of a mixed bag - some species can coexist peacefully, but others can be quite aggressive and will eat anything that's put in with them, so it really depends on the specific type of puffer you're dealing with.
In terms of ease of maintenance, I'd say freshwater is generally considered the most straightforward to manage, but personally, I think all three options - saltwater, freshwater, and brackish - are relatively similar; they just require different approaches to setup and maintenance.
When it comes to tank size, pygmy puffers can do well in a 100-litre tank, but some of the larger puffer species will need significantly more space - we're talking 500+ litres.
My advice would be to find a picture or the scientific name of the puffers that catch your eye, and then post them here for feedback from the community. That way, you'll get a better sense of which species might be a good fit for your aquarium.
Re: Marine aquarium assistance
I'll make sure to keep it concise. I was thinking of a white belly puffer, maybe paired with a yellow box fish. What other fish would complement them well?
Re: Marine aquarium assistance
White belly puffer, I see what you mean about many having that feature. I found the South American puffer when searching Google, but I'm guessing there are others. Can you give me a scientific name for the one you're thinking of?
Re: Marine aquarium assistance
I've had a look and can't seem to find the scientific name for the white belly puffer, it's just listed on the local pet shop's stock list.
I did come across the starry puffer (Arothron stellatus) though, they look awesome - I've seen pictures of them and they seem to be really bright yellow with a blue tail.
There's a picture on this website: http/www.waterzoo.co.uk/Marine/Marine%20...tock%20list.htm, about 2/3rds of the way down.
Do starry puffers get on with other fish?
Re: Marine aquarium assistance
Arothron puffers seem pretty laid-back with other fish, but those powerful jaws can easily take down most invertebrates that move. They might get along with clownfish, and possibly some of the bigger snails - cowries could be a good fit.
PHPBB-BG.INFO