Dwarf puffer vs.Figure 8 help

So I have basically fallen in love with these fish, from what I have read they have great personality and they are just so cute... I'm conflicted however on a few care needs and exactly which one would be best with my set up's... I currently have 2 empty tanks the first is a 5.5 gallon which from what I have read would be suitable for one dwarf is this correct? The second is a 15 gallon which some sites have said is suitable for one figure 8 is this information also correct? I am aware that the figure 8 needs salinity but is that and the size of them the main differences? From the information I found that seams to be the biggest differences in care needs... also the info I read seamed to say that if the tank is big enough you can have multiples of each, (not together of course) I always thought that puffers absolutely had to be alone no exceptions but do they really enjoy the company of their own kind in a large enough setup? Another thing do they bite? I mean I know they have teeth since they eat snails but when you do a water change do you have to be extra careful so they don't draw blood? Any info you could give me is much appreciated, I really want to know as much about these cute little fish as possible to give one a good life.

 

TexasDomer MJDuti
Ill let the the experts do the size of tanks. As for the 5.5 I feel like that would be best suited to breed snails for your new puffer baby. From research ive done id only put one figure 8 in a 15 and a cpl dwarfs. Most important thing to remember is that they are extremely sensitive to water parameters. Absolutely no ammonia or nitrites. Keep nitrates low.

For the biting Ive been nipped when hand feeding or when I tip of my figer is in the water minell go for it. But once established and realizes mommy or daddy you won't have any issuse. During cleaning my fahaka will find a corner and sit there and pout until I'm done. Hes not of fanof cleaning. They do have the capabilities to draw blood but likely hood of thatbis slim.

 

What are the dimensions of the 15 gal?

I would keep 2-3 dwarf puffers in the 15 gal and use the 5.5 to breed snails.

 

Yay, a new puffer fan! You could do more option-wise with pea puffers in the 15, but a Figure 8 is pretty cool, plus bigger and IMO prettier. The Freshwater for the pea puffers allows you more plant options as well. As for the biting, nothing to worry about from these little guys. Big Red's Fahaka on the other hand, well...if he didn't like him he could do some damage. Google pics of their teeth, it's scary.

Just over decorate, keep the water clean, and get your hands on lots of frozen or live food options to try out. The pea puffers do not get overgrown teeth. Figure 8's do, but they don't grow as fast as some other species. As for tank mates if you want them, you'll have to guage their aggression for awhile.

 

So I have basically fallen in love with these fish, from what I have read they have great personality and they are just so cute... I'm conflicted however on a few care needs and exactly which one would be best with my set up's... I currently have 2 empty tanks the first is a 5.5 gallon which from what I have read would be suitable for one dwarf is this correct? The second is a 15 gallon which some sites have said is suitable for one figure 8 is this information also correct? I am aware that the figure 8 needs salinity but is that and the size of them the main differences? From the information I found that seams to be the biggest differences in care needs... also the info I read seamed to say that if the tank is big enough you can have multiples of each, (not together of course) I always thought that puffers absolutely had to be alone no exceptions but do they really enjoy the company of their own kind in a large enough setup? Another thing do they bite? I mean I know they have teeth since they eat snails but when you do a water change do you have to be extra careful so they don't draw blood? Any info you could give me is much appreciated, I really want to know as much about these cute little fish as possible to give one a good life.

Is the 15 gallon a tall tank? I have a 15 gallon that is longish and has more horizontal swimming area, and another 15 gallon that's a column shape (tall and narrow) with almost no horizontal swimming room. I'll leave it to the experts, but the shape might make a difference in stocking.

Btw congrats on deciding on puffers! I miss my DP. He was quite a character.

 

My tank is the same length and width as a standard 20 it's just a couple inches shorter height wise