Ordered DPs

[gstoffer]

Ok, so I just ordered 4 dwarf puffers for my 29g. I am seeking any and all advice for them. They will not be shipped until next week. I have a sand bottom, and a few "roman ruins" ornemants. I have added some bulbs for plants, which I have used in other tanks with pretty good success on their growth. I am buying more plants, and getting snails to add too. Right now all that is in the tank are 4 corys, and 8 ghost shrimp (which I assume they will eat.), I am looking for snails also but would like to know which type are the best to go with, I also was wondering what would be the best/worst plants for the tank.

Thanks,

Ginger

[PufferMom]

I would not recommend keeping the cories in the same tank, as the DPs are likely to shred them. My DPs preferred plants with larger leaves, such as swords and anubias, to thinner leafed plants. Just have lots of them. If you think you have enough, add a few more. Think jungle.

For snails, anything but Malaysian Trumpet snails. Pond snails breed the fastest (don't try to breed them in the same tank, the DPs will kill and chew on any that are in there). Most of us seem to use pond and/or ramshorn snails.

[gstoffer]

Well, I can move the corys into my 10g tank (but it is a betta tank), not sure if that will work. Or I can move them to my 55 which is a african cichlid tank (not sure about that either). I do have a 20g that needs resealed, I maybe could just set that up with them and then have it to keep snails and ghost shrimp in??? I ordered some rams/pond snails from aquabid I think it was 10 ram and 25 pond (or vise/versa) and I have 20 vals coming. They are thin though so I'll get some other plants also.

Will they go through snails pretty quick? Also since I have a sand substrate I was going to get some trumpet snail...but I've read sooooo much against that I'm not going to get them, is there something else you would recomend? Then should I get some sort of bottom feeder since the cories can't stay?

Thanks so much,

Gin

[PufferMom]

Ghost shrimp will eat the snail eggs and baby snails. I wouldn't suggest keeping them together. Feeding the DPs snails once a week is usually sufficient, although I tend to feed mine snails more often. Feed tiny snails, approximately the size of the DPs' eyeballs.

I wouldn't recommend putting anything into the tank with the DPs. You'll have to do manual maintenance and stirring of the sand.

A great place to get snails from if you run out is Wilma. She's very reasonable and has great stock. Matter of fact, I need to get more from her. My last order was 100 pond snails and 100 ramshorn, but they don't last very long with as many hungry monsters as I have. But you can order in much smaller quantities.
Wilma's Snails For Sale

You did cycle the tank, yes?

[gstoffer]

Ok, I will not keep the snails and ghost together...would the ghost shrimp do ok in the betta tank? I know the cichlids would eat them as soon as they hit the water, b/c I buy them shrimp now and then, I'll get 15 or so and MAYBE 1 or 2 make it to the bottom. Of the two which would be better to put in w/the betta?

Thanks for the site, I will def. use it!!!

And yes, I cycled the tank had it set up for a while with filter media from my 55, the cories have been in there also to help out with the cycle.

Thank you for everything...if you think of anything else please feel free to add anything at all! I CAN'T WAIT TO GET THEM!!!!!!!!!! This is going to prove to be a VERY long 4-5 days I just know it. As soon as I get them I'll post some pics

[PufferMom]

My bettas eat ghost shrimp, too. Make sure for all live foods, you quarantine for a minimum of 2 weeks first, 4 is better. And watch the DPs closely for signs of IPs, it seems the majority tend to have them.

[DaisyTattoo]

Some betta's can cohabitate with ghost shrimp without casualties. I have a betta now that doesn't eat his ghost shrimp buddies. Although I would use caution when putting them together as they might become snacks.