I'm not a huge expert on SW fish but I believe for a puffer like a Porcupine you will need like a 150-180gal tank. They can get quite large. Best plan of action would be figure out how big of a tank you want, how big of a tank you can fit then go from there accordingly. Need a tank wide enough and long enough to support a puffer that could get 12" in length and fish like tangs that love swimming (6ft tank preferred for these active fish). There are many types of fish that are compatible with puffers in general....depends on what the puffer will like. A lot of people with them in larger tanks seem to keep them with angels, tangs and triggers, but again all depends on tank size and what the puffer will stand. Tank mates can't be more aggressive than the puffer and some of the triggers tend to be. No long finned tankmates either.
Are you dead set on a porcupine puffer or open to others?
-Matt
If you're open to other puffers, you might like hairy puffers. They are freshwater, stay a decent size 6"-7" and are easy to feed (I have one). There are others as well. Setting up saltwater is something to really think about and I'm speaking as someone who was heavily addicted to it for several years. It's funny, but it was something similar that got me into it. I was mesmerized by a tank with little gobies, seahorses, crabs, shrimp, etc and I ended up going for it. I had everything from tiny gobies to eels, a huge lion fish and just about everything in between. I've been out of it for a couple of years now and I remember the mixed feelings I had when everything was bagged up and taken away. I was sad to see my fish go as I'd had some for years, but mostly it was a relief. No more hauling big expensive buckets of salt around, no more salt creep, no more making up big batches of saltwater for water changes, etc. It was fun, but it was a lot of work, VERY expensive and I have found that I don't miss it. I thought I would want to set up a simple little system some day with a peacock mantis shrimp or frog fish, but I don't even think that will happen. You might find that you really want to give it a go and love it. You won't know until you try, but it's something to really consider before jumping in- especially for a fish that will get as big as that one will.
Joan
u should be asking this in reefcentral.com
but u need a big tank. and those porcupines eat and poop a ton. u can only keep it with aggressive fish like eels, rays, large fish as he will devour small fish, crustaceans, starfish, shrimps.
Discus dave.
I have kept those bad boys before - they are really, really bad! You can keep one in a 75 gallon tank if you keep it alone (which is best since they tend to eat most fish that wont eat them!). I kept one for about 5 years in a 75 gallon. He ended up around 10 inches long. When I moved I gave him to a colleague who put him into a 300 gallon tank with triggerfish which worked out OK since the triggers were about 8 inches long. He lived there several more years. If I recall correctly eventually he lost a battle with a tankmate. You will need very good filtration as they eat enormous quantities and it passes through them quickly. Since you keep discus frequent large water changes will be second nature to you.
These are very hardy fish. The porcupine can tolerate less than pristine conditions for a few days with no problem since they commonly visit estuaries that experience big fluctuations in salinity, temperature and nutrient content. Most tankmates that will survive with the puffer will not survive poor conditions, though.
They are cool fish. My wife finds fish like discus very boring but she likes big puffers. They become very tame (mine would have taken my finger off if I was not careful) and interact more like dogs than most fishes. Once you have one big puffer you will probably want other species as well.
Ron
I have done lots of research on this. U will find it easier than u think..
Jester - S0S Crew Texas
Thank you guys for all the advice about the E.T. fish I think the other saltwater fish are boring to me but my friend who owns a pet store has them from time to time and its fun playing with them. Im kinda crazy when it comes to cleanliness and water quality so i don't think that will be an issue but I need to do more research to feel comfortable about the commitment....Josie
Salt water puffers are not to challenging to keep from what i have herd from my friend, however if you want a large puffer, get a mbu or fahaka puffer i loveed my mbu. That way you dont have to deal with fresh and salt water, but if you do want to try salt water go for it. Heres a pic of an mbu this is not mine.
Also josie check out the reptile house in orland park, they have a beautiful reef tank there.
Last edited by Nick Klimkowski; 01-28-2014 at 09:45 PM.
He's cute so he is fresh water?
yes, he is freshwater and not brackish.
I have a little green spot puffer who is 7 years old and a delight to my family.
I have a 75 gallon mixed reef tank also - salt is not that hard! After well kept Discus it's easy!
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SOS Crew Texas
Show Committee for NADA 2014 AUSTIN TX
those freshwater puffers are way more expensive than saltwater ones. but very nice...
Discus dave.