20 Long Planted Pea Puffer Build

I have been contemplating getting a Pea Puffer for awhile now. So yesterday, broke down a 20 Long which I was using for some Mystery snails hoping for clutches. All clean.
Gonna take my time, "Plants" first. Before I added the substrate decided to position some Flourish tabs approx. 20 on the bottom.





Rinsed and added the 8 lbs of Flourite sand as a base then rinsed and added approx. 25 lbs of Black Diamond Blasting Sand (Medium).




I have a few pieces of driftwood and branches soaking. Once they stop floating will continue with the scaping. I did pick-up some Brazilian Pennywort and tiny Vals which are floating right now in a QT. Also, posted a want to buy Swords and Vals in the BSTF threaad.
Amazon Sword and Vals Want To Buy - | Buy, Sell, Trade, Free Forum | 503493

Stay Tuned....

 

Following... I want pea puffers soooo badly, but it would be awhile before I would be able. I did pick up a 20 gallon long at the Petco sale... just in case.

 

Following! I’d love to get pea puffers some day this looks like it’ll be a fun project.

 

Following!

 

Following, too!

 

I'll add my name to the follow list. I love peas, but I have no more tank room, so I'll live through you!

Can't wait to see updates!

 

Also following - can’t wait to see how the tank progresses!

 

Yeah! Met up with Pwilly07 today, traded some breeding cones for Vals, Amazon Sword and few snails. Floating in the tank right now. I did add a heater temp @78, along with a seeded sponge from my African tank and a piece of driftwood with branches. Gonna start planting tomorrow, no real plan just gonna stick them in the substrate. Stay tuned...

 

Yeah! Met up with Pwilly07 today, traded some breeding cones for Vals, Amazon Sword and few snails. Floating in the tank right now. I did add a heater temp @78, along with a seeded sponge from my African tank and a piece of driftwood with branches. Gonna start planting tomorrow, no real plan just gonna stick them in the substrate. Stay tuned...

Cannot wait to see this tank come together and the breeder cones are awesome. So excited to begin using them.

 

Following!

 

The Angels and Discus liked and used them. Too bad they kept eating the eggs.
Hope you have better "Luck" than I did. But then again maybe I was just too impatient. Thanks again for trading "Members helping members".
Fishlore is "Great"

 

Love pea puffers. Following And good luck!

 

The Angels and Discus liked and used them. Too bad they kept eating the eggs.
Hope you have better than "Luck" than I did. But then again maybe I was just too impatient. Thanks again for trading "Members helping members".
Fishlore is "Great"

I will remove the parents once they spawn and then see what happens. I'm no expert either, but moving the EBA fry from parents helped immensely. Fishlore is great and with to that back to your Pea Puffer Journal =)

 

Well as mentioned it was planting day today. No real rhyme or reason to the positions. Just wanted to get them in the substrate. Still have a couple of floaters and as you can see some snails. Also, along with the root tabs, I will be using the EI dosing method on the tank with NilocG (Macros/Micros).
Have had "Good" success with it in the past.




Fingers-crossed!

 

Following! I just have one pea puffer in a 5 g. I bought it already set up with the puffer and some shrimp. No more shrimp; I’m apparently a terrible shrimp keeper.
Anyway, I’ve always wondered about keeping multiple puffers in a larger tank.

 

Basil
Been researching but so far it appears it's possible to keep 2 or 3 together. As long as each has an area to claim. Hopefully by the time the tank is ready for them, in a few months I'll have more info. Any advice you can share?

Fingers-crossed.

 

Basil
Been researching but so far it appears it's possible to keep 2 or 3 together. As long as each has an area to claim. Hopefully by the time the tank is ready for them, in a few months I'll have more info. Any advice you can share?

Fingers-crossed.

Most of what I've seen says 5 gallons for the first pea puffer, and 3-5 gallons for each additional one. (I recently added two to my heavily planted 40 gallon breeder. They definitely aren't overcrowded, but it's not uncommon to see them within an inch or so of each other with no signs of aggression.)

 

Basil
Been researching but so far it appears it's possible to keep 2 or 3 together. As long as each has an area to claim. Hopefully by the time the tank is ready for them, in a few months I'll have more info. Any advice you can share?

Fingers-crossed.

Not really advice but I’m completely smitten with mine. She (I *think* it’s a she) has as much personality as my betta.
Picky eater though. She’ll only eat frozen blood worms and ramshorn snails.
I feel sorry for her being by herself now. I’m planning to rescape this 5 g and may try shrimp again once it’s matured a bit.

 

Following because I’m thinking about keeping pea puffers! Excited for your journey

 

Just a comment about keeping multiple puffers together. I ended up with mostly males but if added at the same time you could do about 4-5 in there. I currently keep 5 in my 29 gallon, I've had them a little over a year now and they never bother each other except around feeding time they can get a bit nippy. Start with a number you plan on being happy with, because trying to add one or more after the original puffs have claimed their stakes in the tank probably wouldn't work out. I haven't tried it myself. The more densely planted you have the tank the better it will work with multiples. Here's a pic of mine for reference, the Java fern breaking up a huge portion of the open space is helpful as well as the large piece of driftwood in front being completely hollow also adds more places to explore.

 

Been a few weeks, still researching but here the latest pic. Plants are slowly growing, snail population is exploding. Plus added some Vals today from StarGirl

 

Been a few weeks, still researching but here the lasted pic. Plants are slowly growing, snail population is exploding. Plus added some Vals today from StarGirl

Is that the filter from the video? Ziss I think. How is it working?

 

It's a Qanvee moving bed filter, been using them for years. I noticed one in a members tank, decided to give it a try.
https://www.amazon.com/QANVEE-Fluid...07PGNT7SQ/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

 

Looks like it's going well so far! I'd personally be cautious with multiple puffers, and stick more to the principle of more plants, less fish. I've always wanted a puffer, but haven't had one myself (yet...), so I'm no expert, but that's my two cents.

 

Added driftwood and I think the plants are growing?

 

I'm liking the additional driftwood!

 

Ok, had the day off, needed some fish food so visited my favorite LFS. Talking to one of the associates I mentioned will be looking for a Freshwater Puffer, turns out he raises them.
And they had a few for sale.
2 Male Congos approx. 1.5-2" @ $200 each
and
3 male Dragons approx. 2-3" @ $75 each
Also, they have a Potato Puffer, very unique but not for sale.

During the viewing we discussed feeding, tankmates, etc.. Should have took some pics to share, but...
Surprised to hear he feeds them earthworms every other day along with the occasional snails. They were all very inquisitive he just had to wave his hand a few times at the front of the glass and they came right up.
Also, the Congos are very well mannered and have shared tanks with Tetras and other fish with no issues. The Dragons on the other hand cannot be in a community tank.

Almost purchased, my tank is ready and I was planning a water change this weekend. I will be doing it tonight and if all readings "Good" in the Am. May just go back and pick one up.
Still undecided on the type.

Well which would you pick?

Edit 10pm: Water Change Completed. Test before had a high nitrate reading mainly due to the EI fert dosing. Plants appear to be doing well.
I did notice a strong chlorine smell when refilling. I have noticed this every Summer, the water company adds additional "Chloramines" due to the algae blooms in Lake Erie.



As mentioned, test in the AM. Fingers-crossed

 

Ok, had the day off, needed some fish food so visited my favorite LFS. Talking to one of the associates I mentioned will be looking for a Freshwater Puffer, turns out he raises them.
And they had a few for sale.
2 Male Congos approx. 1.5-2" @ $200 each
and
3 male Dragons approx. 2-3" @ $75 each
Also, they have a Potato Puffer, very unique but not for sale.

During the viewing we discussed feeding, tankmates, etc.. Should have took some pics to share, but...
Surprised to hear he feeds them earthworms every other day along with the occasional snails. They were all very inquisitive he just had to wave his hand a few times at the front of the glass and they came right up.
Also, the Congos are very well mannered and have shared tanks with Tetras and other fish with no issues. The Dragons on the other hand cannot be in a community tank.

Almost purchased, my tank is ready and I was planning a water change this weekend. I will be doing it tonight and if all readings "Good" in the Am. May just go back and pick one up.
Still undecided on the type.

Well which would you pick?

I like the look of the Congos....so exciting!!!!

 

I think the pea puffers are adorable and the Congos look closest to them so I vote for Congos.
Although it would be cool to have a “dragon” fish.

 

Are the congos spotted congos? The tank is beautiful

 

We only had a pea puffer in the past but whatever one you go with they are going to love that tank. Looks amazing!!

 

If I was picking, it would be the spotted Congo’s 100 percent of the time!

 

It is labeled Yellow Spotted Congo,
They have 2 in separate tanks. The tank water parameters are fine, except checking the temp I noticed the water was a cool 75'. Investigated and appears the heater has stopped working? May need to replace.

Leaning towards picking up the Congo.

Stayed tuned...

 

It is labeled Yellow Spotted Congo,
They have 2 in separate tanks. The tank water parameters are fine, except checking the temp I noticed the water was a cool 75'. Investigated and appears the heater has stopped working? May need to replace.

Leaning towards picking up the Congo.

Stayed tuned...

Picture?

Picture?

Is it the schoutdeni puffer?

 

From what I've read the dragons need a pretty big tank, at least 55 gallons, but the congos are good in a 20 long. So based off of that, I'd go for the congo!

 

Well replaced the heater, temp is rising.
Big "Thank You" to everyone for the replies and some more info.
I ended up pausing on the purchase for various reasons.
1. As mentioned the "Dragons" do require a larger tank (you're correct Danny002 ) and also they are ambush predators especially at night. So they would need a tank all to themselves. Largest available tank I have right now is the 20Long.
2. I was still trying to wrap my head around spending $200 each for the schoutdeni puffer (you're correct TheAnglerAquarist )
3. Spoke with a few local club members whom reminded me we have a club auction coming up Sept. 19. I may be able to find them for quite a bit less.

So "Glad" I had some will power yesterday.

The search and research continues....

 

Well replaced the heater, temp is rising.
Big "Thank You" to everyone for the replies and some more info.
I ended up pausing on the purchase for various reasons.
1. As mentioned the "Dragons" do require a larger tank (you're correct Danny002 ) and also they are ambush predators especially at night. So they would need a tank all to themselves. Largest available tank I have right now is the 20Long.
2. I was still trying to wrap my head around spending $200 each for the schoutdeni puffer (you're correct TheAnglerAquarist )
3. Spoke with a few local club members whom reminded me we have a club auction coming up Sept. 19. I may be able to find them for quite a bit less.

So "Glad" I had some will power yesterday.

The search and research continues....

Congo’s are amazing. Check out bubba the puffer on tik tok

 

Ordered a group of 6 Indian Dwarf Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus). Should be here next week from Aquatic Arts

 

Ordered a group of 6 Indian Dwarf Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus). Should be here next week from Aquatic Arts

Awesome! Feed a varied diet and you will have some happy beans!

 

Ordered a group of 6 Indian Dwarf Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus). Should be here next week from Aquatic Arts

Oh and make sure to medicate them!

 

Just read through all of this. Great looking tank and congrats on the purchase. ( and source-- I respect AquaticArts and their philosophy/ethics)

 

Oh and make sure to medicate them!

I have never used meds prophylactically.
During research it has been advised if wild caught to use some type of deworming medication. But these are tank-bred, is it still necessary?

 

I have never used meds prophylactically.
During research it has been advised if wild caught to use some type of deworming medication. But these are tank-bred, is it still necessary?

It depends on how stressed they are, they could still get ick from stress but being tank bred will help!

 

Isn't there also an argument that a prophylactic meds regime can be a cause of stress/disease itself? You might consider calling AquaticArts to see what their recommendation is. I imagine the recommendation might be rather species specific?

 

Have they arrived yet?

 

Isn't there also an argument that a prophylactic meds regime can be a cause of stress/disease itself? You might consider calling AquaticArts to see what their recommendation is. I imagine the recommendation might be rather species specific?

Agree... I sent the email already for their recommendation.
Will post their reply...

Have they arrived yet?

They have a 1 to 9 day handling time and ship overnight
So, hopefully next week
Fingers-crossed...

Ok, just got the reply from "Aquatic Arts"

Me:
During my research it has been recommended to prophylactically treat (Dewormer) wild caught Puffers.
Since these are tank-bred what is your recommendation?

AA:
"Thank you for your inquiry. You can do this but medicating is stressful for the fish. We do not believe in medicating unless there is a perceived problem."

 

Well in preparation for the arrivals, gave the tank a water change and substrate vacuum. Also, I will be picking up some shrimp and Java moss from Pwilly07 tomorrow, want to tie some to the driftwood branches I have in there.

Will post a pic tomorrow after the "Under-watering" gardening and adding the shrimp.

 

Agree... I sent the email already for their recommendation.
Will post their reply...

They have a 1 to 9 day handling time and ship overnight
So, hopefully next week
Fingers-crossed...

Ok, just got the reply from "Aquatic Arts"

Me:
During my research it has been recommended to prophylactically treat (Dewormer) wild caught Puffers.
Since these are tank-bred what is your recommendation?

AA:
"Thank you for your inquiry. You can do this but medicating is stressful for the fish. We do not believe in medicating unless there is a perceived problem."

Just read through the thread - can't wait to see the little guys!

To clarify on my experience with prophylactic treatment on puffers:

Almost all puffers in the trade are wild-caught, and almost all of those come in with pretty severe internal worms. They're usually underweight, too, since wholesalers and transshippers have been known to feed very little or incorrect foods to the puffers in general - a lot of the time, they won't get to eat from the time they've been caught until they hit a store's tank, and sometimes the store itself doesn't even feed them high-quality frozen. So, if you're purchasing a puffer that's not captive-bred, I would 100% treat them prophylactically, to avoid losing that fish. I always use Praziquantel and Metronidazol, both of which are very gentle - I'm not sure I'd agree they stress the fish much (if at all) in correct dosages, and they give pretty much immediate relief to a fish that's been infected by most internal parasites.

For captive-bred fish, there's no reason to do this - puffers aren't inherently more likely to get parasites, and they're not more sensitive to them either (to my knowledge). It's just lack of care during transit, from what I've heard and experienced.

 

Hey ChrissFishes01
Been viewing your Puffer vids on YouTube.




Thanks for sharing...

Question though,
I see a powerhead in the tank and with the research I have done. They recommend more of current free tank due to their small finage, no problems with yours?

 

Hey ChrissFishes01
Been viewing your Puffer vids on YouTube.

View attachment 815764

Thanks for sharing...

Question though,
I see a powerhead in the tank and with the research I have done. They recommend more of current free tank due to their small finage, no problems with yours?

Thanks for watching!

I believe you're talking about my Green Spotted Puffer, right? I used an Aqueon 950 Powerhead in that tank, and it wasn't that high of a flow rate. It had a high flow area in the center, but not much on the sides. He swam in the flow quite a bit, so I never saw it as a problem!

This particular species is usually okay with higher flow, as are most marine species (or, in this case, brackish species that occasionally enter the ocean). Most species will most likely prefer a lower-flow tank, or a tank with high and low flow areas.

However, I think it's worth noting that a number of puffers come from relatively high-flow rivers, so I think they can handle more flow than most people give them credit for. For DPs, I'd probably stick with a sponge filter, or a very weak power filter!