Most ideal frozen foods for pea puffers

So as some of you may know I have been wanting pea puffers and I know what I need, but I would like to make it ideal for them, and not just me. I have a snail culture going, I also have some frozen mini blood worms and frozen bbs. I am pretty sure that they will it the bloodworms and almost positive they will eat the snails. But the bbs aren’t very big and I think there are better options. Would daphnia or other frozen foods be better?

 

I've never had problems getting mine to eat brine shrimp of any kind - they love live BBS, and will definitely take frozen, too. These guys are great at picking tiny microorganisms off of surfaces, so I don't think many common foods are too small for them. I'm sure they would take daphnia, though.

Mine get:
Snails
Frozen Bloodworms
Frozen Mysis Shrimp
Frozen Brine Shrimp (enriched with spirulina)
Live Baby Brine Shrimp

And I'll throw the occasional Cherry Shrimplet into the tank, if I happen to have them on hand. Adult shrimp are fine, but babies are on the menu.

 

I've never had problems getting mine to eat brine shrimp of any kind - they love live BBS, and will definitely take frozen, too. These guys are great at picking tiny microorganisms off of surfaces, so I don't think many common foods are too small for them. I'm sure they would take daphnia, though.

Mine get:
Snails
Frozen Bloodworms
Frozen Mysis Shrimp
Frozen Brine Shrimp (enriched with spirulina)
Live Baby Brine Shrimp

And I'll throw the occasional Cherry Shrimplet into the tank, if I happen to have them on hand. Adult shrimp are fine, but babies are on the menu.

Thank you this is very reassuring! I was thinking of putting cherry shrimp in there so they could breed and have a constant food source for the puffer

My parents just said I can get a pea puffer tank for my birthday! So exited. It will most likely be a 5 gallon for one, but you already know I’m going to spoil the little bean

 

My parents just said I can get a pea puffer tank for my birthday! So exited. It will most likely be a 5 gallon for one, but you already know I’m going to spoil the little bean

Congratulations! That's awesome. I like keeping them solo anyway - they're cool in groups, but you run the risk of aggression.

Any ideas which 5 gallon/what kind of scape?

 

Congratulations! That's awesome. I like keeping them solo anyway - they're cool in groups, but you run the risk of aggression.

Any ideas which 5 gallon/what kind of scape?

Most likely a jungle scape, small spiderwood, vallisneria, java moss, and a bit of anubias nana petite. I heard they like moss balls too! Most likely an aqueon 5.5 gallon. With one of those tiny breza hang on back filters. A good light, not sure what is good, and a small 50 watt heater.

I really appreciate you helping me out!
I love the puffer videos, you have the most adorable gsp I have ever seen.

Most likely a jungle scape, small spiderwood, vallisneria, java moss, and a bit of anubias nana petite. I heard they like moss balls too! Most likely an aqueon 5.5 gallon. With one of those tiny breza hang on back filters. A good light, not sure what is good, and a small 50 watt heater.

I really appreciate you helping me out!
I love the puffer videos, you have the most adorable gsp I have ever seen.

Would you do anything different?

 

Most likely a jungle scape, small spiderwood, vallisneria, java moss, and a bit of anubias nana petite. I heard they like moss balls too! Most likely an aqueon 5.5 gallon. With one of those tiny breza hang on back filters. A good light, not sure what is good, and a small 50 watt heater.

I really appreciate you helping me out!
I love the puffer videos, you have the most adorable gsp I have ever seen.

Sounds great! I might recommend some crypts, too. My little guy likes to get up under the Crypt Wendtii and look up at the leaves, looking for food. Kind of an extra layer of things to do at the bottom of the tank, I think.

For lighting, I really liked the Finnex Clip-On. It was cheap and grew Val, Anubias, Java Fern, Crypts, and Ludwigia in my 5.5. I use a standard LED bulb in a socket, now, though, and it does just as well. I think Fluval makes some small planted LEDs, too, if you wanted something programmable. To each their own.

I'm glad you enjoy them! I enjoy making them. I find myself more and more gravitating towards having nothing but puffers and a saltwater tank or two...

 

Sounds great! I might recommend some crypts, too. My little guy likes to get up under the Crypt Wendtii and look up at the leaves, looking for food. Kind of an extra layer of things to do at the bottom of the tank, I think.

For lighting, I really liked the Finnex Clip-On. It was cheap and grew Val, Anubias, Java Fern, Crypts, and Ludwigia in my 5.5. I use a standard LED bulb in a socket, now, though, and it does just as well. I think Fluval makes some small planted LEDs, too, if you wanted something programmable. To each their own.

I'm glad you enjoy them! I enjoy making them. I find myself more and more gravitating towards having nothing but puffers and a saltwater tank or two...

Puffers are water dogs. And adorable. I can’t blame you as someday I want a spotted Congo puffer for my 29 gallon!

Puffers are water dogs. And adorable. I can’t blame you as someday I want a spotted Congo puffer for my 29 gallon!

What are some easy crypts?

 

Puffers are water dogs. And adorable. I can’t blame you as someday I want a spotted Congo puffer for my 29 gallon!

What are some easy crypts?

I haven't done a Schoutedeni (Congo) yet! I think that one may be next on my list, or maybe C. Irrubesco.

Pretty much all of the commonly available Crypts are incredibly easy, especially if you have neutral or hard water. They tend to melt back a lot when you first get them, but grow in nicely. My favorite species is Crypt Wendtii, and it comes in a Green and Red form. There's also Crpyt Parva, Crypt Lucens, and a bunch others I just can't think of right now. There's different color variations and crosses, too, so you have stuff like Crypt Pink Flamingo and Crypt Florida Sunset that are beautiful, but are more rare and cost a pretty penny.

 

I haven't done a Schoutedeni (Congo) yet! I think that one may be next on my list, or maybe C. Irrubesco.

Pretty much all of the commonly available Crypts are incredibly easy, especially if you have neutral or hard water. They tend to melt back a lot when you first get them, but grow in nicely. My favorite species is Crypt Wendtii, and it comes in a Green and Red form. There's also Crpyt Parva, Crypt Lucens, and a bunch others I just can't think of right now. There's different color variations and crosses, too, so you have stuff like Crypt Pink Flamingo and Crypt Florida Sunset that are beautiful, but are more rare and cost a pretty penny.

Yeah I think I should go with the crypt wendtii

 

Yeah I think I should go with the crypt wendtii

Awesome! Should be easy enough to find. If nothing else, Petsmart sells Crypt Undulata Red in their gel packs. Not quite the same, but a cool plant.

 

Awesome! Should be easy enough to find. If nothing else, Petsmart sells Crypt Undulata Red in their gel packs. Not quite the same, but a cool plant.

So do you know of any kits? I know my parents would probably get a kid because they think it will save them money, I love the fluval flex but my parents said 5 gallon.

 

So do you know of any kits? I know my parents would probably get a kid because they think it will save them money, I love the fluval flex but my parents said 5 gallon.

This little kit comes to mind:

Top Fin® Engage™ 5 Gallon Aquarium | fish Aquariums | PetSmart

When I worked at PetSmart, both of those tanks seemed to do rather well. I like the one featured in the video better than the Engage, but it may just depend on what you can find locally. The biggest issue that wasn't mentioned in the video (for both tanks) is that the little pump it comes with tends to burn out after a year or two, but you can find small fountain/pond pumps for cheap that fit in that back compartment. Even something like a Hydor Pico Evolution fits, if I remember correctly.

Or, if you think they'd go for it, the Fluval Spec is probably one of the better AIO kits you're going to get at a reasonable price. The tank in the video I linked is essentially a copy of the Spec - so expect something very similar, but higher quality all around.

https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Spec-...eywords=fluval+5+gallon&qid=1633400069&sr=8-1

For the price difference, I might honestly go with the Top Fin and put that extra $50 towards more plants, hardscape, a heater, frozen foods, maybe a live brine shrimp hatchery (if they'd let you have one), etc. Not saying the Spec isn't worth it, I just know how it can be with parental budgets and stuff on birthdays!

 

This little kit comes to mind:

Top Fin® Engage™ 5 Gallon Aquarium | fish Aquariums | PetSmart

When I worked at PetSmart, both of those tanks seemed to do rather well. I like the one featured in the video better than the Engage, but it may just depend on what you can find locally. The biggest issue that wasn't mentioned in the video (for both tanks) is that the little pump it comes with tends to burn out after a year or two, but you can find small fountain/pond pumps for cheap that fit in that back compartment. Even something like a Hydor Pico Evolution fits, if I remember correctly.

Or, if you think they'd go for it, the Fluval Spec is probably one of the better AIO kits you're going to get at a reasonable price. The tank in the video I linked is essentially a copy of the Spec - so expect something very similar, but higher quality all around.

https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Spec-...eywords=fluval+5+gallon&qid=1633400069&sr=8-1

For the price difference, I might honestly go with the Top Fin and put that extra $50 towards more plants, hardscape, a heater, frozen foods, maybe a live brine shrimp hatchery (if they'd let you have one), etc. Not saying the Spec isn't worth it, I just know how it can be with parental budgets and stuff on birthdays!

Right that would be great! I have been looking at the top fin ones, they seem like a great deal!

 

Have you given thought to parasite treatment? There's a very good chance that the puffer will come in with internal parasites. Almost all of them do. Can you get Praziquantel (Prazipro) or Metronidazol (Metroplex) or General Cure (Prazi+metro) where you are?

Of course, the best thing to do is to find some captive-bred ones who look great in a store, but that's much easier said than done.

 

Have you given thought to parasite treatment? There's a very good chance that the puffer will come in with internal parasites. Almost all of them do. Can you get Praziquantel (Prazipro) or Metronidazol (Metroplex) or General Cure (Prazi+metro) where you are?

Of course, the best thing to do is to find some captive-bred ones who look great in a store, but that's much easier said than done.

So my lfs always quarantines, and medicates their fish, especially puffers. All of the peas I have seen there have been nice and fat, perfect finnage and I saw healthy waste on the sand
I have really been liking this one. Don’t pay attention to the fish abuse, just the features. I would need to get a heater, but for 40 bucks this is a steal IMO. I have been looking at getting fluval stratum but I have the money for that right now.

 

So my lfs always quarantines, and medicates their fish, especially puffers. All of the peas I have seen there have been nice and fat, perfect finnage and I saw healthy waste on the sand
I have really been liking this one. Don’t pay attention to the fish abuse, just the features. I would need to get a heater, but for 40 bucks this is a steal IMO. I have been looking at getting fluval stratum but I have the money for that right now.

That's the tank I use for my DP. Be warned, the HOB is comes with is very bad, and the light is dim enough you would likely need to replace it to get much growth from your plants. The tank itself is great - but the equipment that it comes with is junk, unfortunately.

 

That's the tank I use for my DP. Be warned, the HOB is comes with is very bad, and the light is dim enough you would likely need to replace it to get much growth from your plants. The tank itself is great - but the equipment that it comes with is junk, unfortunately.

Ok, I’d be willing to make it a lidless tank, as peas aren’t jumpers, right? I could also get the little breza hob that is quality

 

Ok, I’d be willing to make it a lidless tank, as peas aren’t jumpers, right? I could also get the little breza hob that is quality

They don't tend to jump, no. Any fish can jump, though, so I'd keep the water level a little below the rim.

Personally, if you can, I'd go with a sponge filter since you're not stuck with an aio. Or, failing that, one of the Top Fin Internal Filters would be a good choice. I don't know much about the Breza HOB, so it may be fine - just make sure it's got adjustable flow. In a small tank, he'd have nowhere to get away from a fast current.

 

They don't tend to jump, no. Any fish can jump, though, so I'd keep the water level a little below the rim.

Personally, if you can, I'd go with a sponge filter since you're not stuck with an aio. Or, failing that, one of the Top Fin Internal Filters would be a good choice. I don't know much about the Breza HOB, so it may be fine - just make sure it's got adjustable flow. In a small tank, he'd have nowhere to get away from a fast current.

Yeah it can go down to a trickle and comes with a sponge intake. My sponge filter that I have right now dosent really pick up particles in the water, but I am willing to try one in a nano tank

Yeah it can go down to a trickle and comes with a sponge intake. My sponge filter that I have right now dosent really pick up particles in the water, but I am willing to try one in a nano tank

I found out it is called the aquatop forza

 

Yeah it can go down to a trickle and comes with a sponge intake. My sponge filter that I have right now dosent really pick up particles in the water, but I am willing to try one in a nano tank

I found out it is called the aquatop forza

After further research I really like that top fin retreat!

 

After further research I really like that top fin retreat!

Yeah I am probably going with the retreat!

 

Yeah I am probably going with the retreat!

Make sure to make a thread when you get the tank! Or, make one now if you have other questions that don't fit into this thread. Tag me in it, too!

 

Make sure to make a thread when you get the tank! Or, make one now if you have other questions that don't fit into this thread. Tag me in it, too!

Will do! I made a thread about planted substrates, I’d appreciate your advice on that

 

Will do! I made a thread about planted substrates, I’d appreciate your advice on that

So now I am thinking of making a daphnia culture or maybe scuds either in a jar or a 1 gallon fish bowl

 

So now I am thinking of making a daphnia culture or maybe scuds either in a jar or a 1 gallon fish bowl

It might be a fun project, but you'd have a very hard time culturing enough to actually feed with.

 

It might be a fun project, but you'd have a very hard time culturing enough to actually feed with.

Yeah that is the problem. You hardly have to do anything with bladder snails, but with daphnia or scuds they are less hardy and more difficult. I have heard scuds are a bit easier though and I have heard and seen pea puffers love them. Surprisingly I haven’t seen or heard on how much pea puffers like daphnia. I have an air stone, that might make it easier

 

Yeah that is the problem. You hardly have to do anything with bladder snails, but with daphnia or scuds they are less hardy and more difficult. I have heard scuds are a bit easier though and I have heard and seen pea puffers love them. Surprisingly I haven’t seen or heard on how much pea puffers like daphnia. I have an air stone, that might make it easier

I've always read that in order to get anything close to a feedable number, you want at least a few gallon bucket. A jar may support a few, but I suspect they'll overcrowd and die pretty quickly. Here's a good video about them:

 

I've always read that in order to get anything close to a feedable number, you want at least a few gallon bucket. A jar may support a few, but I suspect they'll overcrowd and die pretty quickly. Here's a good video about them:

Ah yes, I was thinking maybe a cheese ball container? Should be a few gallons

 

Ah yes, I was thinking maybe a cheese ball container? Should be a few gallons

Might be a couple. I think you could give it a try, for sure, but I don't it being very easy to keep it stable and reproducing for very long. It'd probably be much easier and more cost-effective to just get a BBS hatchery!

 

Might be a couple. I think you could give it a try, for sure, but I don't it being very easy to keep it stable and reproducing for very long. It'd probably be much easier and more cost-effective to just get a BBS hatchery!

Yeah I just don’t want to deal with the smells and salt water haha

 

Yeah that is the problem. You hardly have to do anything with bladder snails, but with daphnia or scuds they are less hardy and more difficult. I have heard scuds are a bit easier though and I have heard and seen pea puffers love them. Surprisingly I haven’t seen or heard on how much pea puffers like daphnia. I have an air stone, that might make it easier

I read quite a few times that peas love daphnia, but so far mine don’t seem to have taken to it. They much prefer bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis, and mosquito larvae. I’ll keep trying it but I’m not sure if they will change their minds.

 

Yeah I just don’t want to deal with the smells and salt water haha

Mine don't have a smell. I mean, they smell fishy, but only when I put my head into the hatchery, lol. And the salt water is super easy - nothing like mixing it for a saltwater tank.

I read quite a few times that peas love daphnia, but so far mine don’t seem to have taken to it. They much prefer bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis, and mosquito larvae. I’ll keep trying it but I’m not sure if they will change their minds.

They're all so picky, who knows what each individual one likes. My current little guy takes just about anything, but I've had them in the past only want snails or bloodworms.

 

I like frozen adult brine shrimp but I have heard they have about no nutritional value.

I like frozen adult brine shrimp but I have heard they have about no nutritional value.

I will for sure ask my lfs what they feed em because they are always healthy and plump beans. Most likely a lot of snails as my lfs has a lot of bladder snails, that’s how I got mine. I have easily over 100 now including hiding In my main tank and cultures

 

4 more months until I get it!

 

I am really tempted to get two and heavily plant the tank even more, but I feel like that isn’t the best idea as a first time puffer owner. I do however want to try an amano shrimp with it.

 

I have heard that if you want to keep shrimp with a puffer, it has to be larger than the puffer. I also read that they eat mostly snails so the bladdar snails would probably work. (I don't actually have a pea puffer but my little sister wants one so I am doing alot of research since I will probably be doing most of the work)

 

Right. Amano shrimp get to 2 inches possibly more, so that will be good.

 

I now have some amano shrimp in my main tank. I also have some brine shrimp and daphnia to go along with bbs and bloodworms.

 

I have a large ghost shrimp with my pea puffer - no issues. He kills cherry shrimp and I assume he'd kill small ghosties, but I think amanos would be fine.

 

I have a large ghost shrimp with my pea puffer - no issues. He kills cherry shrimp and I assume he'd kill small ghosties, but I think amanos would be fine.

Cool that’s re assuring