New to piranha's HELP

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TimTheBadass

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Nov 5, 2007
1,213
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Wales, UK
So I've decided I want to get a shoal of red belly piranha. I've been keeping mainly cichla for a while and have decided to to move some fish around and have freed up a 80x20x28" tall tank for the piranha. I've never kept piranha before so I have some questions. Thanks in advance!

1. How many red belly's can I keep in this tank?
2. How quick do they grow?
3. What is the best diet to give them?

Any other advice you have to offer a newbie would be greatly appreciated.
 
Depending on the species of Pygocentrus you plan to keep, I personally would go with 7-8 Natteris or Caribes. I'd try maybe 3 Pirayas.

In my own experience Pygos like shrimp more than anything and Tilapia less than anything. I've fed mine primarily shrimp and Hakari pellets but like to change up and give a varied diet. Mine absolutely love green beans and squash and I feed it regularly. If you want to introduce a new food and they're hesitant soak it in Garlic water. Not only is it more appealing to them but it's also good for their health. I've recently started feeding dry cat food and live Bluegills and their growth has accelerated dramatically since.

I have 3 Natteris and 2 Piraya in a 125 gallon and they've gone from dime size to 6-7'' since November. I have two large powerheads and maintain excellent water chemistry. I feel a strong current is essential for optimal growth as is good water chemistry.
 
I would go with 6-8 for life. How many gallons is your tank?
 
What size natts are you planning to start with?
 
If you are going with 1 inches I would go with anywhere from 15 to 20 natts. Downsize after the first year. when they reach around 6 inches. once they hit 7 inches end with 8 or 9
 
U can keep about 8-10 RBP in the 170 gallon. One advice tho.. keep them well feed and you souldn't run to any problem. One they get a lit hungry, they will start nibbing on eat other but RBP are real hardy and recover fast.. GL
 
if you have kept pbass, then you know how to keep fish, so dont just get red bellys, get a variety of pygos.

that is a huge thank, get lots of piranha, I believe the more piranha(obviously within reason) the better.

at the very least 10-15

feed them raw shrimp, tilapia, catfish, smelt, etc. fillets and pellets if you get them well trained. no live

lots of water changes, and be patient, piranha are great but need time unlike pbass
 
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