How many Puffers in a tank?

How many puffer fish is safe to put in one tank, I already have two a dog faced puffer and a porcupine puffer. I wanted to add another one or two to the tank 4'x2'x2'. Other tank mates are a pbt, and a purple tang and large black volitan lion. My puffers show no aggression at all to each other, in fact the dog face literally sits around like all day sleeping and hanging out, and goes for a cruise to eat aiptasia when he gets hungry or when i feed krill. I have a skimmer rated for 300 gph and do weekly water changes and cleaning so im prepared to handle the larger bioload of these big fish and have plans to do the upgrade probably in 4 months. going to something 7 feet long.

 

I wouldnt add any until you do upgrade. Especially with the sizes of your other fish (each one can get a foot in length), I think they would become more aggressive since due to lack of space and terroritory..could be wrong though

 

I would def wait til after you upgrade. That tank is already overstocked imo.

 

Im confused, 5 fish in a 120g fowlr is over stocked? Especially when the lion and dog face arent active at all?

 

It's just my opinion. Those fish can all get real large. It is your tank and I believe you are free to add another puffer if you'd like.

 

yes because you have to think about the size that they will get too not what they are at. Once they all become that large there will not be any movement. Also, it doesnt have to do with them being active they are. IMO it has to deal with space that they need/take up, bioload, etc..

From Liveaquaria: "The Volitan Lionfish can grow rapidly to an adult size of 15 inches, and when full grown these fishes should be housed in a 120 gallon or larger aquarium with numerous hiding places. It will hide while acclimating to its new home, but then is generally found out in the open. It may eat smaller fish, shrimp, and other crustaceans in the tank

Can you imagine a numerous hiding places for a 15in fish? That is only for 1 fish too!

PBT: A 125 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. It is extremely aggressive towards other Tangs or Surgeonfish, especially those similar in form and color, and should be the only one in the tank except in very large systems: introduce all at once if more than one is to be maintained in the same aquarium.

Not trying to burst your bubble, just trying to make you aware.

 

You are right, it is his tank and he can do as he pleases. However that is not good reef/aquarium keeping. Rather have the OP save his cash for when his new tank is up and running then to let a fish die (possibly). On top of that, the OP will spend more time and money to go out and buy another.

 

Absolutely agree. I have never seen a dog face that wasn't active. Maybe hes not active in your tank because it doesn't have the room to be.I would definitely wait until you have a suitable aquarium. Its always smarter to upgrade the tank before the fish. Alot can happen in the mean time.

 

I agree that it is not responsible reef keeping. I hope that the OP will make the right choice, I have seen a trend lately of people asking advise on something but if its not what they want to hear they just argue and get defensive. Then usually a little while later you will find a thread that something has gone wrong and they want us to help get it straightened out. To the OP, I am in no way saying that you are doing this. Just that I've seen it on here, sorry for getting off topic.

 

BTW nc I see you are in Toronto? Any good LFS up that way? I'm always looking for some new local shops?