Puffer and Rope fish

[-Drew-]

My girlfriend just started a new fresh water tank. at the moment she has just a few tetras just to let the tank cycle. She wants to get a figure 8 puffer and a rope fish. we know that they need brackish water with a salinity of 1.010. we want to get the tank set up with the plants and rocks before we get the fish (less stress that way) tall plants in the back, short on the sides. we already have a nice peice of drift wood with an anubus on it. we are going to slowly add salt. but the question is, is it possible to keep a rope fish and figure 8 puffer together in a 30 gallon tank?

thanks
Drew and Kristina

[Neuticle]

What plants are you planning to use in a brackish tank? I don't know of any available aquatic plants that can take the salt.

I'm not sure what you mean by "rope fish" but puffers are spunky little buggers so you'll always have to monitor the relationship. More than likely they will be fine as long as the puffer isn't bigger tan the other fish.

The tetras won't last long with that much salt in the water, as they are soft water fishes.

[-Drew-]

Kristina: (sorry i stole my boyfriends profile :-) )
a rope fish looks like a snake and eel mix, but it is a fish. they have 2 fins by their face, they can get upto 2 feet long, (but i hope to have a bigger tank by then.) the

i have read that java fern and java moss, water sprite and plants such as these to better in brackish water, but you have to slowly add the salt so they dont freak out and die.

from my understanding, rope fish are very peaceful unless they are messed with, they escape easily, and need to be kept in pairs becuase when sleeping they will twist into knots with their friend. (its really cute actually) but what i have read about puffers is that they are a fin nipper, and can become aggressive if picked on.

i know that the rope fish eats small fish but i dont think he would try to eat the puffer becasue he would puff up and the rope fish would have to let go, but im worried that the puffer will pick at the little finned rope fish.

if i get them both, im going to get the puffer first because he is smaller, and will less likely pick on a new tankmate that is way bigger and then start the making the water brack.

should i get them and find out how it all plays out, or should i just get one or the other? i donno what to do.

thanks
kristina

[Neuticle]

Originally Posted by -Drew-

should i get them and find out how it all plays out, or should i just get one or the other? i donno what to do.

I'd guess they'd be fine together, the both occupy different zones of the aquarium, and the puffer probably wouldn't notice the rope fish often.

If your interested in acclimating plants, I'd recommend a much lower salt content. There really is no need to have a specific gravity of 1.010 for the puffer, especially if the water hardness is in check. I would shoot for 1.005 at the most, with 1.003 being acceptable.

[-Drew-]

ok thank you so much for your help. ill let you know how it works out.

[Newbie-Reefer]

I have kept them together before. The figure eight will be a bit nippy, but the rope will be too. the rope will grow rapidly and if anything, may take out the puffer. However, this will not be likely if you are able to keep some plants growing. The salinity can be lowered a bit if needed to keep plants alive and the fish will slowly acclimate. Be careful when doing this! It is hard on them and salt MUST be in the water for survival. Try some Amazon Swords. these plants are hardy and can take low levels of salt. Also, they allow for adequate cover for the fish to establish territories. One last warning. My rope fell to his slow death by jumping out where my filter entered the tank. They will come out on you. Oh yea, they slither like a snake....... lol it is a fun time catching them. they wont go far but are hard to hold on to. Good luck!