My Daughters 90g Piranha Tank.

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Chaz88

Gambusia
MFK Member
Feb 21, 2010
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Iowa
As I mentioned in another thread my 11 year old daughter wants piranha for her first independent tank design. (Not totally independent, I am supervising) After much independent research she seams to be set on having a planted piranha tank. I have never kept live plants in my tanks and have not kept piranha. I have read several stickies and many of the other threads but have not managed to comprehend many definitive answers.

I had originally planned to get her something around a 40g but, true to form, ended up with something bigger a 90g. Is now running with just water a mature filter and two freeze dried krill. Have not checked water parameters yet, it will be running without fish for awhile. I am looking for suggestions on decor, particularly compatible low to medium light plants. I am planning to start with red bellies because of price and availability and want to know what is a feasible starting stock level for a 90g. There might be an opportunity to move to a larger tank, but I am not planning on it.

Tank is 48" long 18" wide and 25" tall. I will be adding another large canister before the fish go in and power heads if needed. Thank you in advance for your help.
 
I actually have a 90g red belly tank, and I use amazon swords, java ferns, and java moss on a rock. I also have a large sunken tube looking thing that they hide in, what size P's were you going to get? if your starting with dime size like I did I'd say 3-5 of them would work fine.

ill post pics of my current setup, uses fake plants and real.
 
Chaz, that's awesome! Congrats to you and your daughter! Did you end up with the 90g from MCA?

I have a single RBP and things are going well. I don't claim to be an expert though and will leave those responses to the more experienced members. My tank is pretty basic in design, but looks good. I have a resin holey rock, a small piece of driftwood and several live and fake plants. He doesn't mess with the plants at all. This tank is temporary until he grows out a bit more:

5719d8e04c2c.jpg


Good luck to you!
 
College fishman;4842863; said:
i thought that RBP's need to be with like 3-4 others.
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they don't necessarily have to be. it is generally better for the fish and more fun to see them shoal together than simply 1 of them; however its not necessary
 
dcp5082;4842893; said:
they don't necessarily have to be. it is generally better for the fish and more fun to see them shoal together than simply 1 of them; however its not necessary
Click to expand...

It won't cause immediate death, but it is certainly necessary. Piranha need to be in groups to feel secure. The smaller the group, the longer it takes for them to recover from being spooked, and the easier they are spooked. This was measured by measuring heart rate after scaring the piranha. Bring scared often, and for longer periods of time, can lead to chronic stress, which will shorten the piranha's life. The bigger the group, the better, but you do need at least 5 piranhas in order for them to feel pretty secure.
 
College fishman;4842863; said:
i thought that RBP's need to be with like 3-4 others.
Click to expand...

They will work as a single fish, but I agree. He is in the tank for the moment keeping the cycle going until my Aro shows up. He is going into a temporary 49 cube with 3 tank mates later this week. I am not only anxious for the Aro, but also to see the Piranhas shoaling :)
 
Juxtaroberto;4842911; said:
It won't cause immediate death, but it is certainly necessary. Piranha need to be in groups to feel secure. The smaller the group, the longer it takes for them to recover from being spooked, and the easier they are spooked. This was measured by measuring heart rate after scaring the piranha. Bring scared often, and for longer periods of time, can lead to chronic stress, which will shorten the piranha's life. The bigger the group, the better, but you do need at least 5 piranhas in order for them to feel pretty secure.
Click to expand...


i have 3 right now, and they are almost never spooked. they just need a good hiding place. stress does decrease a piranhas lifespan yes.. but having only 1 piranha doesnt necessarily mean it will be spooked more often, but the looks of that guys tank, his P has good places to hide and isnt too bright. i think he will be fine for now.
 
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