i want to keep payara!

[verruckt]

Ok so I want to keep payara. Its the fish that got me into aquariums and I'm yet to gave one . So I'm in need of advice. What size tank, filtration, substrate etc.. I know these fish r highly sensitive (or so I've read) and my wife would have my balls on a plaque if I buy a $200 fish and it up and dies. In that case I got to be prepared. So to all you payara keepers. WHAT'S IT TAKE!? Thanks....verruckt...

 

[Industrial]

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=183738

Stuff in that sticky should be followed. ATM most other details are trial and error. For example, even though it is recommended has a LOT of current my tatauaia strongly dislikes more than a gentle current.

If you never owned payara before, I say start with a small group of h. scomberiodes. You can normally get them from 20-40 dollars each. People complain that they aren't long lived (most people say two years, but can live longer if kept in ideal conditions). In reality even on MFK any kind of payara never really lives very long due to it's mostly pelagic nature.

Rhaphiodon Vulpinus and Hydrolycus Scomberoides are by far the most common and are usually 20-40 dollars each. Hydrolycus Tatauaia is not usually available and goes for 50-100 dollars each. Hydrolycus Armatus are only available direct from South American Wholesalers or a keeper who wants to sell his/her fish. You can expect an armatus to cost around 200 or even more.

 

[PayaraMan]

I've owned two Scomberoids, and one Tat and trust me, they were worth every second of keeping them but first you need to learn the basics. They need a current very similar to the white water rivers of Venezuela, otherwise they become very prone to disease and will sit in one spot all day. All three of my Payara died because I ignored the fact that they need a current because I was too lazy. They also need a very wide tank because these fish are notoriously claustrophobic and will smack the sides of the tank over and over till they kill themselves. The width of the tank should be at least double their length to provide room for them. You also need to get them onto Frozen or Prepared foods as fast as you can because feeding live their whole life is not only risky because of disease, but it can become very expensive throughout time. Another key tip is to not keep "Nippy" fish with them because fish such as Tiger Barbs and other nipping fish like Convicts will nip them to death. Those are the main keys to maintaining a healthy Payara and I hope I helped you on your way to keeping a Payara! Trust me, if you abide by those tips you will be very satisfied with them.

 

[Otherone]

I kinda agree with the others BUT - it's not the actual current , it's the increase in dissolved oxygen that comes from increased current that is key. This can be accomplished by getting a simple power jet with direct O2 injection submereged facing the surface - Marineland makes one that works real well for me. Also larger tanks, not just for space but to put the PPM (parts per million) on your side. Harmful gases won't build up as much in 150 gal as opposed to 55 gal. And Ya- these fish (Payara) die in captivity, not all, but some do. Sometimes it takes several trys before one sticks and stays. They stress really easy and alot of times the stress from shipping alone bares a dead fish still breathing. Payara are by no means for beginner fish keepers, you need a real firm grasp on basic water chemistry and need to change that water weekly religiously or it will be all for not.

 

[Luc]

Go or it, it's fun man I can tell u