hmm...
I kept a spotted puffer in a cichlid tank years and years ago when i was starting in the hobby. It did not cause any trouble and as it grew it remained surprisingly peaceful. On the other hand Ned has tried this as have a few of our costumers and the puffers have destroyed cichlid fins or worse. But... if its working so far - just keep a sharp eye on the little guy and cross your fingers.
As far as water conditions go, its not too much of a problem... Spotted puffers don't HAVE to be in high salinity water and cichlids don't HAVE to be in zero salinity water. I would keep the hardness and ph high and just add the usual two-teaspoons per gallon of aquarium salt - pretty standard stuff for a cichlid tank. Given the puffers natural habitat however, I would never let the salt level drop much below this.
Goodluck - and yes, we can take him if its just not working out for you,
-Sam
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Ned
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