Hello everyone, this is my first post on here. I have been researching piranhas for about a week now ever since i saw my neighbor's 4 redbellys, and i think im ready to begin the process of ownership. The setup im thinking of is a 100 gallon tank for 4 or maybe 5 red bellys. I plan on getting plenty of artificial plants and cover for them. However, i have no idea what kind of filter, chemicals, lighting, and things like that to get for them, there almost seems to be a lapse in information on the internet. I was hoping some experienced red belly owners could give me some advice on what equipment or special foods to get, and also any reliable places to purchase them, my friend chad said he ordered his over the internet a few years ago but couldnt remember where. I've heard some horror stories with buying them from pet stores so im a little hesitant to go that route. and i've also heard of pacu's being passed off as piranhas and wanted to know if this is a legitimate threat i need to look out for. So any information you can give me is much appreciated, i want to do a good job keeping these guys and i want to know as much as possible before i bring them home, thanks alot guys
Hopeful new piranha owner
- Thread starter bladerunner3693
- Start date
Welcome Jon! I don't know very much about piranhas...but I do know you don't need to get any special foods really. They will eat almost anything meaty and can be fed a lot of different things. I would just feed it a variety of live feeders (rosy reds, goldfish, minnows, tetras, any other small fish), frozen fish, shrimp, krill, fish flakes & pellets, insects/worms, some vegetables (like romaine lettuce, cucumbers, & peas), & earthworms. They aren't picky eaters...
This seems like a pretty good site to buy from but I'm not really sure because I've never ordered from them before, http://www.aquascapeonline.com/prodview.asp?idproduct=185
This seems like a pretty good site to buy from but I'm not really sure because I've never ordered from them before, http://www.aquascapeonline.com/prodview.asp?idproduct=185
Alright thanks for the advice, i have heard tho that ur not supposed to feed them goldfish because they contain growth inhibitors and can easily give your fish ick, idk if its true, but i've seen that alot
you've done your research and are correct. The rest of the advice he gave you is good though. aquascape or sharkaquarium are prob some of the most popular places people get red bellies from online
Feeding goldfish can be done as a special treat. BUT the goldfish should be quarantined for, IMO, at least 2 weeks while being fed with nutrient full flakes so your piranhas get more out of eating them.
Yes, your absolutely right. They should only be given to as a special treat and should not be their main food source. Many people think its ok to feed them goldfish all the time and its really not. Goldfish can carry many diseases and provide little nutrients.
Not impossible to keep one on just goldfish, just very risky. They can give your piranha the proper nutrients if they are fed right before becoming food. I have a red belly that won't accept anything but live. He's by himself in a 29 gallon, about a year old, about 7", and healthy as can be.
Welcome to MFK! it does seem like you have been doing research. My little nippers will eat just about anything buy seem to really like shrimp, of course mine are only two inches right now. Welcome to the wonderful world of piranhas!
Thank you! Oh and I just tried frozen (but thawed) silversides today and they went crazy over it. Just a suggestion.