Pushed head first into the deep end.... (My Pirahna-Owner Story)

[mtlt8182]

For 6 months now, I have been taking care of a fish I know nearly nothing about. It just happens to be a "Pirahna". You see, our neighbors were moving out and my boyfriend was over there visiting with them. He calls me and asks, "Can we have a Pirahna?" to which I reply, "Will the tank fit in our small living space?" or, something like that.

Anyway, they bring the tank/fish/supplies over and he gives us a very brief and vague idea of how to take care of the fish. I have NEVER, mind you, NEVER owned ANY fish of ANY kind. And now here is this Pirahna, and the worst instructions on his care I could think to have gotten. So, there is something about feeding him a few pellets about once a week. And there is medicine and some other bottles of liquid. (One of which I just discovered is supposed to be put in the tank weekly to help keep down biological matter...) Here are some buckets, and some pellets to feed him and some heaters and a big fish net...

Okay, well, I finally figured out how, how often, and what size filter I need to change. I found out about that "Stresszyme" stuff that keeps the tank cleaner and I finally got the heater to keep the temperature at an even degree. Which at first, by the way, I had no way to gauge what the temp was and would unplug the heater when I thought the water was too warm. OMG! I feel so bad for this Pirahna! I have only cleaned the tank twice now, but this last time I got something to scrub the glass with. Water looks pretty clear so I think I've done a good job so far.

My biggest concern now is how often/how much/what to feed him and getting him into a bigger tank. I am feeding him the weird pellets that the neighbor gave us and I am currently giving him approx. 5 pellets in one day, but only feeding him once every 5 days. We have given him goldfish one time and he seemed to like them. I have read today, online, that he should be eating raw fish? But I still do not see anything saying how often. We were discussing getting a feeder tank and giving him live feeder fish and even trying to breed some feeders to have a lasting supply. Well, his tank will probably become the feeder tank if we go that route, because he is in what I believe to be a 10 or 15 gallon tank.... and he is at least 6" long and 3" tall! So I am thinking about moving him up, but I am not sure I am going to be able to afford a 55 gallon tank for a single fish.... any opinions on this would be welcomed.

I am so glad he has been so resilient! He is a joy to have around, not really shy, he acts very curious and excited. I will try and get a picture up if/when I can. Any comments/suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 

[rgonzales]

First things first you need to learn about the nitrogen cycle and changing water. I'd post links to help you but cant right now. Also your right about needing a larger tank

 

[Purple]

First make sure it's legal to have a piranha in your state. Some states limit what kinds of fish you can own in them without a permit.
My little knowledge of piranha are that they enjoy being in large schools and alot of times turn skittish if only kept by itself. Now I don't think it's necessary to feed live if you are not comfortable with it but if you are then go for it!
On a side note when you clean the tank make sure your carefull. You may be doing too much which is making to tank go through its cycles again creating a very stressfull environment for the little guy.
-Purple

 

[fook]

As stated above...learn about cycling and get a bigger tank asap. And also read, read, read. You've come to the right place for info so be a knowledge sponge. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Ask MFK and take what the fish stores tell you with a grain of salt. You will soon realize those stores are usually not the best places to get solid info. Check out craigslist for tanks. I see 55 gallon set-ups on there for $100-200 all the time. In fact, I just stumbled across an even cheaper complete 55g set-up today. I really don't even need it. I just couldn't pass it up for that cheap. If you were closer to my area I'd just give it to you. So good cheap deals are out there. Good luck and welcome to the hobby.

 

[mtlt8182]

Oh, boy. He has made it seem so easy, but it looks like there is a lot to learn! Thank you everyone, so far, and I am looking forward to more posts/info. I will get right on looking at the tank cycle stuff, thank you! And I was thinking about craigslist, but I hadn't checked it out yet. I will be doing that here very soon as well. I want him to be as happy as he makes me. =D

 

[fook]

Don't be intimidated by cycling. It's really not as complicated as it sounds. Here it is in a nutshell....a cycled tank contains beneficial bacteria which breaks down waste (ammonia). Ammonia is broke down to nitrites and then nitrates. So this cycle plus adequate water changes will keep your water healthy for your fish. This bacteria will grow all over surfaces in your tank (rocks, decorations, heaters, glass, filter, etc). You don't want to remove so much water, etc that the level of bacteria has to catch up to where it needs to be. This will cause an ammonia spike (because the cycle is interupted)...which you don't want. Once you understand the cycle you will be able to effectively test your water and know whats going on based on your results. Once the tank is cycled you should be able to do 50% water changes with no problems. You will need to use a product like "Prime" to treat your new water to make it safe (get rid of chlorine, chloramines, which are common in tap water).

So that just the basic gist of it but it's not all that complicated once you get the hang of it.

 

[rgonzales]

Also good job on what looks to be pretty much a rescue, the fact that your willing to learn and take advice shows you care more for the fish than the original owner

 

[mtlt8182]

Also good job on what looks to be pretty much a rescue, the fact that your willing to learn and take advice shows you care more for the fish than the original owner

Well, thank you. I don't really know how long he had the fish, and he did have most of the supplies i needed, so that was nice. I just don't think his mind was where it needed to be to impart the info correctly. I am pretty sure he wanted to keep the fish but they were driving/moving to Oregon from Colorado and he was afraid it would die. Anyway, I will pick up something to check those levels you all are talking about along with fresh supplies and probably a live treat for Mr. Odin! I will also try and get a pic up soon!

 

[mtlt8182]

Here is a pic of our little monster! Still researching, still working on getting the bigger tank, as for now at least I have the temp. set better. Starting to feed him some raw shrimpies, but still slacking on getting some test strips. Hope to take care of that sometime this weekend. And working on getting him some more cover!

 

[_Sushi_]

That's a rhom! fairly sure black, but I'm not 100%. They get huge... like 13-15" huge. As far as raw fish, tilapia filets cut in chunks, raw shrimp, etc. Goldfish are too fatty and have very little nutritional value, rosey red minnows or common guppies are better. You could get most of his diet covered with Cichlid pellets, and supplement with the short list I gave you. Great job on the rescue! A 15 gal isn't big enough for an Red belly, let alone a rhom! Also, he won't be skittish like someone else mentioned. They prefer their solitude. Just make sure if your hand is in that tank that you do NOT corner him! Good Luck!