Considering a Fahaka Puffer

[yemista7]

I am planning to get a 120g tank and if i do I might get a fahaka puffer. I have a few questions

1. The tank I am considering is 48"x24"x24", and I am thinking of using a 40g breeder as a sump. Should this be sufficient? Would canister filters work as well? What about a big HOB filter? This would be my first time putting together a sump which is why I am asking about alternatives.

2. Ive done some research and it seems they enjoy a sand substrate? I have never used sand before and I know people have concerns that it is messy and hard to clean. I imagine it is even harder to clean with a super aggressive fish in it. What kind of sand do people use? How hard is it to clean?

3. As far as feeding goes, it seems clams are one of the better food so their teeth dont get too big. Can you use salt water clams? What about salt water crabs? Does it have to be fresh water crustaceans?

4. What kind of decor do they like? Would overturned ceramic pots be fine?


Thanks in advance!

 

[twentyleagues]

I have a small one atm. The tank and sump should do ok. I plan on putting mine in my 180 when he's bigger. I like a more natural set up so he's got plants and driftwood and rocks. If you like the look of pots as long as there are no sharp edges it should be fine. Mine is pretty active so a longer tank may be better but not all are all that active. As for feeding I got mine at less then an inch, I pellet trained him and I breed snails. As he grows I also breed crayfish so he will get those too. Salt water crabs and clams will be fine.

 

[yemista7]

I have a small one atm. The tank and sump should do ok. I plan on putting mine in my 180 when he's bigger. I like a more natural set up so he's got plants and driftwood and rocks. If you like the look of pots as long as there are no sharp edges it should be fine. Mine is pretty active so a longer tank may be better but not all are all that active. As for feeding I got mine at less then an inch, I pellet trained him and I breed snails. As he grows I also breed crayfish so he will get those too. Salt water crabs and clams will be fine.

How hard is it to get into breeding crayfish? I was thinking of doing the same thing. What is your crayfish setup?

 

[twentyleagues]

How hard is it to get into breeding crayfish? I was thinking of doing the same thing. What is your crayfish setup?

40b. Not that hard just need a male and a few females. When I start focusing on it again I'll move the babies out as the larger will prey on the babies. I have different sizes of pvc pipe in there for them to have hiding spots. Or maybe I'll just keep the male separated and give him females when they have no eggs. Self clone are supposed to be easy but I had no luck with them. The regular crays breed readily enough for me. My water is hard but I put crushed coral in as substrate. I feed what I feed my fish and some veg like blanched kale they seem to like it.

 

[Fat Homer]

I agree with the above that a larger 180G+ maybe the better option for an active fahaka but a 120G is considered the minimum size...

decor is really personal choice but when i had my old girl i created a lot of caves from driftwood and filled the tank with hardy plants such as anubias and java fern as they do like exploring and get more stimulation from a complex environment imo...