Solo Red Bellied Piranha

[JonZ]

I am interested in keeping a SOLO Red bellied piranha. I have read that some people have success in keeping them solo. I know there are piranha species that are better in solitary but I really want a RBP because its the piranha that people think of. I plan to keep a fry in a 20 gal and move it to a bigger one when it grows. I am asking for advice if a solo RBP is capable of thriving and what setup(water conditions,filtration,how much flow, anything at all) and strategies I need in keeping one. As much as I want to keep 6+ of them I don't think I am able to care for a school of them since tbh I don't have much experience in this hobby and I would rather focus on a single individual getting the best care and attention it needs. TIA.

(Also what Hikari food do they eat(only brand here I can get))

 

[tlindsey]

I am interested in keeping a SOLO Red bellied piranha. I have read that some people have success in keeping them solo. I know there are piranha species that are better in solitary but I really want a RBP because its the piranha that people think of. I plan to keep a fry in a 20 gal and move it to a bigger one when it grows. I am asking for advice if a solo RBP is capable of thriving and what setup(water conditions,filtration,how much flow, anything at all) and strategies I need in keeping one. As much as I want to keep 6+ of them I don't think I am able to care for a school of them since tbh I don't have much experience in this hobby and I would rather focus on a single individual getting the best care and attention it needs. TIA.

(Also what Hikari food do they eat(only brand here I can get))

Welcome aboard
Yes many have kept a solo redbelly piranha. They are extremely hardy except for too low of temperature . You could use a hob filter low light.

 

[Deadeye]

I used to feed my red belly hikari floating carnivore food sticks.
You’ll want to aim for slightly acidic water, but they are quite tolerant of a range of conditions.
Live plants are possible, but likely to get eaten or dug up.
I would just use a hob filter for mine and didn’t have any issues. Any filtration would be fine though.
Really the main thing for them is to keep it dimly lit. They are super sensitive to bright lights and will be more active (and comfortable) in a darker tank.