Piranha Stocking?

[Fish Guy]

I was just wondering what you be suggested for stocking a 75 with Red Bellied Piranha? I have mostly New World cichlids in there now and it has been up and running for 3 years now, but I was just looking for a change. I'm planning on keeping the tank decor the same, bog wood, a mix of live plants and java moss. I have kept Red Bellies before in a 55 gallon but before they got the chance to out grow it I sold them. I have three HOB filters on the tank now, Aqua Clear 110 and two Aqua Clear 70's.

 

[Shelby]

Possibly 4 adults comfortably in a 75 gallon. Lots of plants (fake is better as they will eat your live plants) You should double the filtration a normal 75 gallon tank would require. So you would want filtration for 150 gallons. Extremly messy fish.

I currenly have 11 4-inchers in a 65 gallon hexagon (moving to a 180 gallon this weekend if the dang rain ever stops so I can get the stand painted!)

I suggest getting little ones and growing them out yourself. Feeding them flakes and pellets with the occasional live food is better. Mine are eating me out of house and home! I go through 1 dozen goldfish a day plus flakes and pellets!!

 

[Fish Guy]

Thanks for the advice. I was also thinking about Black Piranha, but I have read that they are more aggressive and usually can only be kept alone. Anyone have any expirence with these guys? I think going with the Red Bellies may be a better option, just so the tank would be a bit more active.

 

[Shelby]

I have also heard the same about black ones. Very aggeressive and better singly. Not to mention I believe way more expensive!

I've got 4 red bellies I'll sell ya! lol

 

[simonas]

when you get them you don;t need to feed live the 9 I kept fed on frozen lancefish andbasically anything I put in

you;ve kept them before so obviously like them however I found them such a dull fish to keep

good luck

 

[Fish Guy]

Yes you are right about the price, I think the Black Piranha are about triple the price here. I did enjoy them when I had them but I see what simonas means by dull. But I have seen aquariums with 4-5 mature Piranha with 50 or so neon tetras. The place that had it as their display tank said they rarely lose any neons. I figured it would be because it would take too much energy to chase them, also I'm sure they kept the Piranha well feed. Anyone ever see or hear about such a setup?

 

[Shelby]

I would not suggest putting other fish in with them. Personally, I dont find them dull because they are constantly in motion. they are 50 times more active than my community tank.