Red Bellies Pacu Help

[BenSow]

I just got home from the LFS with 2 little Pacus! I just want to know if 2 will do well in a 55gallon. I will take some shots and measure them later. And what is the growth rate for these monsters? Will they bite your hand off?

Thanks

 

[cmoyers]

They are going to outgrow the 55 gal. fast. They grow like crazy

 

[tamzor]

with those tank mates you have in the 55 its already time to upgrade

 

[vaine111]

Here's my 22"er!!
I suggest you take them back if you don't want to buy an acceptable tank to house them.
For 2 I'd go with a 500 gallon.
They are really peaceful when you feed them their required diet.

 

[kdrun76]

I was given a 6" one Last February, he is currently 15-16" long. He has grown 1" per month that I have had him.

Two red bellies need a tank of about 500 gallons. You could keep them in a 200 gallon for about a year, but that 55 won't last you 2 months.

The first picture was taken last April, the second one was taken in September. I was able to get a second one to keep him company in July.

 

[jclyde13]

Two red bellies will outgrow a 55g in about 2-4 months. I got mine at 3.5" three months ago and now it's a little over 10".

I was given a 6" one Last February, he is currently 15-16" long. He has grown 1" per month that I have had him.

Two red bellies need a tank of about 500 gallons. You could keep them in a 200 gallon for about a year, but that 55 won't last you 2 months.

I think you have red bellies and blacks confused, the max. size for an rb is about 2', though average is about 20", so they really don't need 500 gals. (though that would be ideal). IMO min. tank size should be about 210g.

 

[justonemoretank]

No matter what the max size is, the tank is already too small.

OP, I mean this in the kindest way possible -- you've posted other threads today just trying to figure out what to feed the fish that you have. And you've got some potential monsters -- silver Aro, RTC. Now you've added two more. And you've still got the same 55 gallon tank.

I think it would be a really good idea to SLOW DOWN on your collection, and try and focus on the fish that you have, and their needs.

 

[kdrun76]

I think you have red bellies and blacks confused, the max. size for an rb is about 2', though average is about 20", so they really don't need 500 gals. (though that would be ideal). IMO min. tank size should be about 210g.

Nope not confused. They are in a 210 now and they are outgrowing it rapidly. A 210 is only 2 feet front to back. These guys should grow to be at least 27", the record red belly is 42". I have an 8x3x3 getting built for them right after Christmas.

 

[jclyde13]

Nope not confused. They are in a 210 now and they are outgrowing it rapidly. A 210 is only 2 feet front to back. These guys should grow to be at least 27", the record red belly is 42". I have an 8x3x3 getting built for them right after Christmas.

With large fish, there are always exceptions to normal adult size ranges, but it is very rare that you'll find a red belly over 2' long in captivity.

 

[BenSow]

Hey guys,

Yeah all of them are gonna be sold except for my oscar when they grow too big... It's just 1/2 hour since I bought them and I already have a favourite - a 6cm one. The other is 6.5cm and very skittish and less reddish.. Here are pictures:

6.5cm one

My favourite

I need help now naming them