So I'm heavily considering getting 3 Serrasalmus elongatus...

[Drixonite]

#1. Is this possible? Many sites online said they were "solitary hunters." Does that mean I can only keep one, or does that mean I can keep as many Elongatus as I want, but no other kinds of piranha?

#2. How big of a tank (gallons) would I need?

 

[Howdoiplayxx]

it means one per tank...i have two of them and i just have a big divider....they are ****in insane and viscious be careful when cleaning one tried to take my hand off lol it was crazy....get an algae scraper. do not keep ANYTHING else with them other than feeder fish lol....i have them in a 175 bow front...had to custom build the divider

 

[Piranhanick]

I would highly reconsitter your thought of having three in the same tank. When they are little you might get away with it but when they get bigger they will fight for space. They are one of the biggest species of piranha! Anyway if you did it you would have to start with at least 150 plus gallons.

 

[Snake_Eyes]

Like said above they need to be housed individually. I would sell at least one of them, if you decide to keep two get a divider. A 55gal should be minimum for ONE...75gal preferably. Elongs max out at 12" in the wild but rarely exceed 8" in captivity.

 

[eng55]

Ya as stated above definitely wouldnt do it with elongs man. I know a couple guys on this other forum who are trying a elong cohab right now. So far they have been lucky I guess, you would need a massive tank to house at least two of them in order for them have enough space.
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[Joshy]

Yeap as everyone has said.
There are very few success stories, and those who have been lucky so far have huge tanks.
Though the popular belief is, no matter how much room you have, you will ultimately end up with just one.
They are solo hunters.

 

[Drixonite]

I'll just get one elongatus then. What else do I need to get? (filters, substrate, etc.) Can someone help me

Oh, and for the tank, I think I'm gonna order a 90-gal tank, 48 x 18 x 25.

 

[Joshy]

90 gallons sounds good.

You have kept fish before haven't you? Sorry if that sounds insulting lol.

Maybe consider setting up a 15 or 20 gallon as well, so you can breed your own feeders?

What filtration do you have in mind?

 

[Drixonite]

I have before but only when I was a kid. My friend who has a reef tank inspired me to start up this hobby again, and I've always wanted to keep a piranha.

In terms of any of the equipment I'll need for a piranha - I have no idea, specifically.

 

[eng55]

Um ok well if you want to get an elong you will need to following for a tank. Substrate, your choice, gravel, sand etc. For piranhas you want more than enough filtration as they produce a lot of waste. I use emporer 400's myself for my filtration and an eheim canister filter. Its really up to you though whether you want to have a hob filter or a canister. Just be sure to get more than enough for your tank. For decoration elongs like to have low lighting, a few hiding spots and lots of open rooom to swim. So throw a few pieces of driftwood in there and a few plants maybe on the ends of the tank and leave the middle open. Also another thing they enjoy is a powerhead to create a current for them to swim in. This will also make your fish healthier. I recommend aquaclear powerheads but then again its up to you. Also you will need to heater for the tank, maybe a couple of them for a 90g. You want the tank at a temp between 76 to around 82 degrees all the time. That should about do it for supplies, good luck.
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