What Size Tank For A Fahaka Puffer? (You might be surprised)

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The minimum size aquarium for a Fahaka Puffer would be 75 gallons (280 liters). However, larger is always better. A 125 gallon or 150 gallons (475 liters or 575 liters) would be much better as it both gives the Fahaka Puffer more swimming space and the larger water volume is easier to keep stable.

Pufferfish have grown massively in popularity over the last few years. The rise of ‘fish YouTubers’ certainly seems to have driven this rise. From the Mighty Mbu Puffer, which reaches around 30” (75cm) to the tiny Dwarf Puffer, there is now a pufferfish to suit every aquarium and every level of experience.

I have been keeping and trying to breed freshwater pufferfish for over 10 years. I have kept about a dozen different species, but my two Fahaka Puffers hold a special place in my heart. For most people, the Fahaka Puffer represents their first ‘wet pet’. They quickly become one of the family.

How Should A Fahaka Puffer Tank Be Set Up?

There are two main elements to consider when setting up an aquarium for a Fahaka Puffer. The first is the substrate. Personally, I believe EVERY Fahaka Puffer tank should have a sand substrate (I look at the question Do Fahaka Puffers Need Sand? In this article).

A sand substrate will allow your Fahaka Puffer to bury itself should it wish to, and also exercise its natural desire to hunt by ‘blowing’ sand away in the search for small crustaceans



The second element is the decor. Fahaka Puffers are strong, fast swimmers. It is important their aquarium isn’t set up with any sharp sticks or pieces of wood.

If your Fahaka Puffer is startled or swims quickly in the pursuit of food, they can easily impale themselves on a stick, or even gouge their own eye out.

When setting up a Fahaka Puffer tank, make sure you give your Fahaka a nice open swimming space. Personally, I find an open space in the middle with decor along the back and down the sides works best.



How To Filter A Fahaka Puffer Tank?

When it comes to filtering a Fahaka Puffer tank, filtration needs to be powerful enough to cope with the Fahaka Puffers’ large waste load, but not so powerful it pushes the Fahaka Puffer around the tank.

I use a Fluval FX6 on one of my Fahaka Puffer tanks (this one on Amazon is the best value one I’ve managed to find) and a Fluval 406 on the other. I have written more about the benefits of using Fluval filters in this article titled Are Fluval Filters Good?.

What Substrate For A Fahaka Puffer Aquarium?

As I mentioned above, I firmly believe sand is the best substrate for a Fahaka Puffer aquarium.

I keep both my Fahaka Puffers on pool filter sand. I have found it works really well. The pool filter sand is heavy enough that it doesn’t float around and cloud the aquarium every time my Fahaka Puffers moves, but it is light enough the puffers can ‘blow’ it about in the search for food.

FairmountSantrol AquaQuartz-50 Pool Filter 20-Grade Silica Sand 50 Pounds, White
  • Ecologically safe sand does not solidify and will help prevent clogging and channeling
  • 100% natural sand is chemical free and backwashes easily and evenly
  • Filters out insects, leaves, oils, dirt, dust, hair and algae from pool water
  • Odorless, Premium #20 Grade swimming pool sand filter Media
  • Does not stain and ensures easy maintenance at a lower cost

Last update on 2024-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

With that said, others find gravel just as good as sand and some people keep their Fahakas in bare-bottomed aquariums.

In Conclusion

Whilst technically a 75 gallon (280 liters) aquarium is the minimum size you would choose to house a Fahaka Puffer, bigger is always better. I house my Fahaka Puffers in 155 gallons (600 liters) aquariums. For me, they are the ideal size aquariums for Fahaka Puffers.


About the Author

I’ve been keeping, breeding, and showing tropical fish for nearly 30 years. Over that time I’ve done it all! I’ve had great success and I’ve made some really foolish mistakes (like the time I bought an Asain Walking Catfish). Read more…
Richard James
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