u/m0rgamonster

So I got my new puffers and they are a day away from completing their worming treatments! They did well with water change, *most* have been eating regularly(out of 5) the one in second pic I don't believe eats everyday with others-just sometimes , and they have been very social lately so I am very happy with things so far!

Questions:

-What bottom feeders can do well with them in a 20G tank?

Would like a small cleanup crew. I added a few larger shrimp and they did pick at them a bit initially, but all are alive and well.

-Should I get 1 more pea puffer or are they okay in a group of 5?

I have 1 that can get bossy, but nothing serious or stressing out the others I can tell. I believe most are males (with eye wrinkles), but not aggressive with each other. I ordered them so did not get to sex them/select.

-Is live brine shrimp an okay main food?

I of course have been supplementing frozen bloodworms, and have a snail colony I'm starting for them as well as plan to order daphnia on occasion. Sound okay?

Since I will be feeding the live snails, do I have to worm the snails before they're consumed or the pea puffers after consuming? Or just needed to worm once for my new puffers?

Finally, what the heck are the little white spots on the puffer in pic 3...?

I was just taking pics to post with this and noticed them. This one is eating fine. Has been with others since they arrived about 2 weeks ago and is only one with spotting. *edit, have been informed of ich.. never in my life... ugh... Would it hurt to QT and treat for Epistylis for a couple days until ich x arrives, just in case? I have KanaPlex on hand. If I do this- can I keep temp consistent instead of making such a dramatic change between treatments?

I appreciate any info and clarification. I really enjoy having these guys so far, yes they take more attention, but I love taking care of my animals and seeing them thrive on good care.

(Yes, I have plants! They are just growing still and my camera won't focus unless I zoom in tight on these little guys!)

I am (finally!) down to my 3 ladies, and some fry I'm letting live until they get a bit bigger to separate. Looking for something to compliment my 20G tank, ideally for some population control since it's a smaller tank but not a deal breaker since I take larger babies to the LFS. I had a koi betta that lived over a year or so and was my centerpiece fish until he passed unexpectedly.. Would like something that goes with their color (orange, black, white, calico). I have 2 albino corys in there too, and some skrimpys. Tried a gold dwarf ram but he suddenly passed after 2 weeks(water tested fine...) Not sure if I should try another, get a pair, or what my other options are. Thank you for your input! Still newer but learning and want my tank to thrive.