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how many dwarf puffers can i put in a 5 gallon tank and what would be a good algae eater for the tank.

Two puffers for a 5gal. Algae eaters: otos, shrimp.

Kim

what kind of shrimp could i keep with them?

Ghost,amano,cherry,
Be aware that they might become snacks. I've heard that if you don't give them brine shrimp ( or other,I suppose ) they probably won't develop a taste for them. I'd try ghost shrimp first. If all goes well, try the others.
Food for the shrimp:leftovers,poo,bloodworms esp. Hikari Crab Cuisine has the minerals they need to harden their shells after molting.
Also you will need some iodine to help them shed their old exoskeletons.Don't use table salt( or any salt for that matter) with puffers.Kent makes 2 kinds. I add 1 drop per 5gal.

Kim

For more info on dwarf puffers: www.dwarfpuffers.com



[span class="edited"][Edited by 2004-06-26 19:24][/span]

will this work. 2 dwarf puffers, 2 ottos, 1 female betta, and gost shrimp.

No betta. The puffers will kill him.You could add another oto and a couple more ghost shrimp.

Kim

i just figured that it would be ok since the compatiblity said they matched. i will just go with more ottos or shrimp.

i would say ...... 2 shrimp....2 dwarfs.........1 oto

6x2x2 - Firemouth and Oscar Tank
30+ royal pythons.

Back in the game after 4 years out ..

Otos prefer to be in small groups. No more than 3 in a 5gal.

Kim

Shrimp won't eat poop by the way. I suggest 2 puffers and 3 ottos OR 3 or so shrimp. If you want ottos i'd suggest them be in 3s. If your going to buy 1 otto, don't buy any at all. Also, shrimp create little bio load, so i suppose you can have a few shrimp with 3 ottos.

Just be aware to add the ottos AFTER the tank has fully cycled and you are able to maintain steady water quality. Also if you keep shrimp, i suggest you add iodine. It might just be that i have bad luck with shrimp without iodine.

I completely agree with Seedkiro. Cycle the tank before adding the otos or the puffers.
Shrimp do need iodine. Kent makes a couple of them. I put 1 drop per 5gal with each water change. Which by the way should be 50% weekly with a gravel vac.

Kim

The shrimp are not neccesarily a good idea. Out of my three dwarves, 2 have developed a taste for ghost shrimp, and will not stop chasing them around the tank until the crustacean has been totally dismembered. My third, however, totally ignores them. So I guess it depends on the puffer. Best stick to either ottos or BBGs (which are a far more attractive, IMO).

how about this!
2 puffers
2 ottos
and 3 ghost shrimp

I'd still get a third oto.

Kim

I still stick with my 2 puffers, 3 ottos. Keep in my Amano Shrimp BARELY add anything to the bioload, only in large numbers. So you CAN keep a few along with the 2 puffers and 3 ottos. Honestly though, i'm not sure if i would keep ottos in a 5 gallon. They seem a bit more playful and such than that.

thank you all for your advice. i have decided to wait a little longer and i mite just go a head and get a 10 gallon(maybe).