
Researching for a potential future puffer?
Please be friendly. Context is, I very sadly lost my Bristlenose last night after nearly a decade of having her, after a heater malfunction I caught too late. She was my last inhabitant and the tank is turned off now. I'm not ready to get back into it just yet, but before losing her, I'd been looking into Spotted Congo Puffers. I don't know if I'll ever have the drive to get back into the hobby, but I want to at some point, and these puffers are what I've latched onto that could potentially reignite the hobby for me. (And yes, I've already planned possible future solutions like a temperature controller and a more obvious - even if a little less accurate - colour based stick on thermometer.
Anyway. If I were to get back into the hobby, it'll likely be due to a puffer. The Spotted Congo jumped out to me based on what I read about not needing other puffers as company (I'd prefer a single puffer), relatively peaceful nature, not needing teeth trimming, and not needing an enormous tank.
But I'd like advice here, please. Is what I've read actually accurate? What is the smallest size tank they can comfortably live in? (I need to be able to have the tank upstairs in my UK council house, preferably on a sturdy chest of drawers.) What else can you tell me about them, please? Try and put me off if you need to, or suggest another species - whilst I like pea puffers I'd prefer something different as a) I'd prefer something slightly larger, and b) I'd really like just the one special puffer fish. <3
Thanks so much for any help! Bonus picture of perfect Poppy <3