So, I'm new to the freshwater scene... Help me...

[mnemenoi]

Indeed, its like keeping hundreds of tanks...

[SunnyHouTX]

Yeah HFB is a more interactive group and gets responses quicker but at the same time we get off topic a lot quicker than marsh. Oh and we are picture whores. So post up picks often

+1. Pics are very very important

[Darbex]

Yeah HFB is a more interactive group and gets responses quicker but at the same time we get off topic a lot quicker than marsh. Oh and we are picture whores. So post up picks often

[flipside]

LOL! Thanks bro! I've always had a FW tank, but I never posted it up, here. Never saw the point. I have a little bowfront with 6 tiger barbs in it, and some kind of striped catfish in there. Very low maintenance tank, and those fish just won't die! LOL!

I plan on setting up a rather large FW tank in the next couple of months, but I'm also planning on setting up an even larger saltwater/reef tank, soon. Unless money starts falling from the sky, I'm going to have to budget this just right. I've already got everything plotted out... just gotta' figure out how I'm going to get it all done.

I'm sure I'll have a build on here. Seems like a fun community. :)

[mnemenoi]

Puffers can be tough, they are very sensitive to water parameters and are messy eaters. Its a balance act in feeding and water changes, always staying on top of the system. Some are easier to keep, but there are pros and cons of each in that regard. They are very rewarding pets, just a bit harder to upkeep.

[TiAg]

Uh oh, we coerced flip into a FW tank :) I've unfortunately never been able to keep a puffer. I've only had two over the years and they both just went from healthy and interactive to belly up over night. I really love puffers to. Want a MBU but no way I'm spending that kind of cash on something I've had zero luck with. Good luck if you do it, can't wait to see the tank.

[flipside]

Easiest plant to keep that most fish stay away from is anubias. I dont know anything about Fahakas but its worth a try and they arent expensive plants.

Thanks dude! Will do!

[Darbex]

Easiest plant to keep that most fish stay away from is anubias. I dont know anything about Fahakas but its worth a try and they arent expensive plants.

[LooksLater]

Who has a unicorn?

Anyone who can somehow keep seahorses alive. I think that's the secret ingredient...they use crushed unicorn horn as filter media, or something.

[eklikewhoa]

Who has a unicorn?

[flipside]

Okay... I know where that place is. I think I purchased some "PFS" a few years ago from them for a reef I built back then... Thanks for that.

I guess I need to start shopping for a bigger tank. I might try doing plants at first, just to see how the puffer reacts to it; but, I'll cross that bridge when I get there, I guess. I won't be able to make the tour this weekend due to other obligations, but I'm sure I'll figure this thing out one way or the other. That, or I'll do a FOWLR tank with just puffers and angels, or something...

Thanks everyone! Great community of folks here! :)

[Totenkampf]

+1 TO LESLIE'S PFS, its great for planted substrates

[LooksLater]

I bet its the team of well paid aquarists that feed them live brine shrimp 4 times a day or the ballin filtration there that might help, lol.

No way, honey. That's crazytalk. I'm pretty sure it's unicorns.

[mnemenoi]

I bet its the team of well paid aquarists that feed them live brine shrimp 4 times a day or the ballin filtration there that might help, lol.

[LooksLater]

Yeah, they are super nice! Only thing is, I've never known anyone to keep a pony tank for more 8 months... well... maybe up to a year, but never more. Even them ORA variety (premium, aquacultured ones).

Any way... WTH is PFS? Sorry... acronyms run rampid in this hobby.

Yeah, I've heard the same thing...even keeping them alive for a little while is a full-time job for the best of the best, which I am definitely NOT. hahah. Makes you wonder how places like Moody gardens do it? I'm quite sure they employ unicorns, or something.

Too bad, they are such neat little creatures.