Curious about Piranhas

Copachick · 12-13-2011, 08:23 AM

So we will soon have an empty 36 gallon tank. He has been wanting piranhas for a long time. We know we cant have alot of them, but would 2 work in a 36 gallon? Or can you only keep one because they may attack each other?

Summer · 12-13-2011, 08:37 AM

I don't think 36 gallons is big enough for even one....they get pretty large.

Copachick · 12-13-2011, 08:45 AM

darn....

jbrown5217 · 12-13-2011, 09:24 AM

here is some information I found on piranhas via google search The Red Belly Piranha - Pictures, Information And Forum

DocPoppi · 12-13-2011, 10:23 PM

I kept 3 red bellies in a 40gl tall back in the early 80's and they did very well. Ive posted on here before about them.
They will outgrow the tank, but it may take at least a couple years... So you may be able to deal with that later.

lefty31 · 01-01-2012, 07:20 PM

Piranha Species Information

If you're looking at piranhas keep in mind there are MANY piranha species. Some can be kept as one and have more of the "piranha" mentality. Red bellies are usually skiddish according to many owners standards.

Eccruz · 02-28-2012, 08:55 PM

I also had piranhas in the '80s and was fortunate to have bred them in shallow ponds. Having a small tank for a fish that can grow to six or more inches is possible with proper feeding and frequent water changes. Having more than one fish in your tank is okay but any more will prove impractical in the long run.

SuckMyCichlids · 02-28-2012, 09:08 PM

You'll definetly need a bigger tank as they get quite large and they are pack hunters so they prefer a group

susankat · 02-28-2012, 09:23 PM

You will also need to check your state laws as they are fast becoming illegal to own.

fishman81 · 03-09-2012, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by susankat

You will also need to check your state laws as they are fast becoming illegal to own.

who cares if their illegal as long as it doesn't harm the enivornment, it's not like the police are going to show up to see if you have pirahanas! Just my opinion and i'll probably be flogged for it.

susankat · 03-09-2012, 11:47 PM

I wouldn't worry about police, it would almost make it impossible to get them. Even shipping from out of state will cost the sellers a lot and many won't do it. So check first on legality then check into getting them.

whitetiger61 · 03-10-2012, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishman81

who cares if their illegal as long as it doesn't harm the enivornment, it's not like the police are going to show up to see if you have pirahanas! Just my opinion and i'll probably be flogged for it.

everyone should care if they are illegal..there is a reason they become illegal..some owner.( not all ) when their fish get to big release in the natural rivers and lakes..would you want your child swiiming in waters with potential pirahanas in there..i would'nt.. like susan said check your local laws.

Rick

fishman81 · 03-11-2012, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitetiger61

everyone should care if they are illegal..there is a reason they become illegal..some owner.( not all ) when their fish get to big release in the natural rivers and lakes..would you want your child swiiming in waters with potential pirahanas in there..i would'nt.. like susan said check your local laws.

Rick

that's called being irresponsible, i wouldn't throw a candy wrapper in a local stream let alone a piranah! don't buy something you can't take care of.

susankat · 03-11-2012, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishman81

that's called being irresponsible, i wouldn't throw a candy wrapper in a local stream let alone a piranah! don't buy something you can't take care of.

You might be a responsible, but you don't know how many irresponsible people there are out there, I wouldn't advise anyone to break the law that can cost them plenty in the long run, just as I wouldn't advise anyone to go out and drink and drive.

That would be irresponsible of me to do that. Just as it would be irresponsible of you to advise them to go ahead and get the fish even if its illegal.

Check those laws, if you want to risk it, go for it, but it would be against my advice.

hanky · 03-11-2012, 01:01 AM

Back in the early 90s I traveled to a state that sold them and purchased 3, lost 1 on way home, put two in a 29gallon where they lived for about three years reached about 10 inchs, died when I was on a vacation during winter months and had a power failure at home. They were very interesting to keep. They can be dangerous to have around if you have small children or cats that might dangle a finger or paw in tank, they will attack and can do alot of damage with 1 bite. Then thats when the police come in and things get real messy. Check for your local laws theres reasons why they are illegal in some areas.

whitetiger61 · 03-11-2012, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by susankat

You might be a responsible, but you don't know how many irresponsible people there are out there, I wouldn't advise anyone to break the law that can cost them plenty in the long run, just as I wouldn't advise anyone to go out and drink and drive.

That would be irresponsible of me to do that. Just as it would be irresponsible of you to advise them to go ahead and get the fish even if its illegal.

Check those laws, if you want to risk it, go for it, but it would be against my advice.

ive seen people dumping their pets into rivers and lakes..at first i could'nt believe they were actually doing it. like susan said if you want to go ahead but its against my advise also.

Rick

whitetiger61 · 03-11-2012, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishman81

that's called being irresponsible, i wouldn't throw a candy wrapper in a local stream let alone a piranah! don't buy something you can't take care of.

you just made my point..OP has a 36 gallon tank..think he's going to be able to take care of them for very long..and then where they going to end up..no one knows.

Rick

Vitamin T · 03-20-2012, 09:25 PM

You will need a larger tank.
They are very beautiful fish but they prefer low lighting and live food. I feed mine frozen bloodworms most of the time. I got him when he was just a fry. Now he is about 8". Mine will eat everything including pacus twice his size! I would recommend geting 4 fry in a 125 gal to start. Tankmates? I could use some help myself. Mr. Bites even eats plecostomus left and right! They are extemely hardy though. Good luck.

c_granger21 · 03-26-2012, 03:36 PM

Alright... I found this forum on accident. And I saw this thread and had to make an account. A common redbelly is going to get around 12"..... give or take a couple.. so as for depth on the aquarium.... 18". And in a small tank like that I dont think it is wise to get a pygo type piranha... there are many many different types of piranhas... and some stay smaller. Visit aquascape.com and check out sanchezi piranhas those stay smaller and are fairly priced and they will ship to any legal state.. A sanchezi piranha will live in that tank for life.

susankat · 03-26-2012, 04:03 PM

But the OP still needs to find out if its legal to own in his state before wasting time of the sellers.

12-13-2011, 08:23 AM	#1 (permalink)
Copachick Copachick's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 204 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 19 Times Said "Thanks" 11 Times Was Thanked 12 Times in 12 Posts	Curious about Piranhas So we will soon have an empty 36 gallon tank. He has been wanting piranhas for a long time. We know we cant have alot of them, but would 2 work in a 36 gallon? Or can you only keep one because they may attack each other? __________________

12-13-2011, 08:37 AM	#2 (permalink)
Summer Susan and Bev's protégé Summer's Photo Gallery Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 2,504 Name: Summer Location: Pennsylvania My location Feedback: 11 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 1,138 Times Said "Thanks" 168 Times Was Thanked 572 Times in 553 Posts	Re: Curious about Piranhas I don't think 36 gallons is big enough for even one....they get pretty large. __________________ "Being ignorant is not so much a Shame, as being unwilling to learn".-- Benjamin Franklin

12-13-2011, 08:45 AM	#3 (permalink)
Copachick Copachick's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 204 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 19 Times Said "Thanks" 11 Times Was Thanked 12 Times in 12 Posts	Re: Curious about Piranhas darn.... __________________

12-13-2011, 09:24 AM	#4 (permalink)
jbrown5217 No Title Needed jbrown5217's Photo Gallery Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 657 Name: Jon Location: Currently live in Nashua, NH for school, but home is in Wilbraham, MA My location Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 100 Times Said "Thanks" 38 Times Was Thanked 116 Times in 110 Posts	Re: Curious about Piranhas here is some information I found on piranhas via google search The Red Belly Piranha - Pictures, Information And Forum __________________

12-13-2011, 10:23 PM	#5 (permalink)
DocPoppi DocPoppi's Photo Gallery Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 301 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 8 Times Was Thanked 67 Times in 62 Posts	Re: Curious about Piranhas I kept 3 red bellies in a 40gl tall back in the early 80's and they did very well. Ive posted on here before about them. They will outgrow the tank, but it may take at least a couple years... So you may be able to deal with that later. __________________ "Buddha in your tank"

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01-01-2012, 07:20 PM	#6 (permalink)
lefty31 lefty31's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 47 Name: Jeffrey Stoss Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 1 Times Was Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	Re: Curious about Piranhas Piranha Species Information If you're looking at piranhas keep in mind there are MANY piranha species. Some can be kept as one and have more of the "piranha" mentality. Red bellies are usually skiddish according to many owners standards.

02-28-2012, 08:55 PM	#7 (permalink)
Eccruz Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 2 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Curious about Piranhas I also had piranhas in the '80s and was fortunate to have bred them in shallow ponds. Having a small tank for a fish that can grow to six or more inches is possible with proper feeding and frequent water changes. Having more than one fish in your tank is okay but any more will prove impractical in the long run.

02-28-2012, 09:08 PM	#8 (permalink)
SuckMyCichlids Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 465 Location: Las Vegas, Nv Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 125 Times Said "Thanks" 97 Times Was Thanked 118 Times in 115 Posts	Re: Curious about Piranhas You'll definetly need a bigger tank as they get quite large and they are pack hunters so they prefer a group __________________ 10g- 2 hi-fin fm platys, 3 koi & red wag sword fry 40g Breeder- 6 danios, 4 female swords, 1 male swords "I was born with nothin and I still got most of it left."- Seasick Steve

02-28-2012, 09:23 PM	#9 (permalink)
susankat Pleco n bn breeder n BOSS susankat's Photo Gallery Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 5,419 Name: Susan Location: Tulsa, Ok Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 4,150 Times Said "Thanks" 1,611 Times Was Thanked 1,809 Times in 1,549 Posts	Re: Curious about Piranhas You will also need to check your state laws as they are fast becoming illegal to own. __________________ SUCCESS IS MEASURED BY YEARS, NOT MONTHS!!! 220 Tank build http://www.aquariumforum.com/f15/sta...late-3253.html

03-09-2012, 11:47 PM	#11 (permalink)
susankat Pleco n bn breeder n BOSS susankat's Photo Gallery Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 5,419 Name: Susan Location: Tulsa, Ok Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 4,150 Times Said "Thanks" 1,611 Times Was Thanked 1,809 Times in 1,549 Posts	Re: Curious about Piranhas I wouldn't worry about police, it would almost make it impossible to get them. Even shipping from out of state will cost the sellers a lot and many won't do it. So check first on legality then check into getting them. __________________ SUCCESS IS MEASURED BY YEARS, NOT MONTHS!!! 220 Tank build http://www.aquariumforum.com/f15/sta...late-3253.html

03-11-2012, 01:01 AM	#15 (permalink)
hanky hanky's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 435 Location: springville ny My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 109 Times Said "Thanks" 40 Times Was Thanked 123 Times in 115 Posts	Re: Curious about Piranhas Back in the early 90s I traveled to a state that sold them and purchased 3, lost 1 on way home, put two in a 29gallon where they lived for about three years reached about 10 inchs, died when I was on a vacation during winter months and had a power failure at home. They were very interesting to keep. They can be dangerous to have around if you have small children or cats that might dangle a finger or paw in tank, they will attack and can do alot of damage with 1 bite. Then thats when the police come in and things get real messy. Check for your local laws theres reasons why they are illegal in some areas. __________________ 90 gallon, 1 Iridescent shark, 2 Pleco, 3 Goldfish, 5 Cory cats, 2 Nerite snails 5 gallon hex, Blue Crowntail Betta, 1 nerite snail,

03-20-2012, 09:25 PM	#18 (permalink)
Vitamin T Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 4 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Curious about Piranhas You will need a larger tank. They are very beautiful fish but they prefer low lighting and live food. I feed mine frozen bloodworms most of the time. I got him when he was just a fry. Now he is about 8". Mine will eat everything including pacus twice his size! I would recommend geting 4 fry in a 125 gal to start. Tankmates? I could use some help myself. Mr. Bites even eats plecostomus left and right! They are extemely hardy though. Good luck.

03-26-2012, 03:36 PM	#19 (permalink)
c_granger21 Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 3 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Curious about Piranhas Alright... I found this forum on accident. And I saw this thread and had to make an account. A common redbelly is going to get around 12"..... give or take a couple.. so as for depth on the aquarium.... 18". And in a small tank like that I dont think it is wise to get a pygo type piranha... there are many many different types of piranhas... and some stay smaller. Visit aquascape.com and check out sanchezi piranhas those stay smaller and are fairly priced and they will ship to any legal state.. A sanchezi piranha will live in that tank for life.

03-26-2012, 04:03 PM	#20 (permalink)
susankat Pleco n bn breeder n BOSS susankat's Photo Gallery Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 5,419 Name: Susan Location: Tulsa, Ok Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 4,150 Times Said "Thanks" 1,611 Times Was Thanked 1,809 Times in 1,549 Posts	Re: Curious about Piranhas But the OP still needs to find out if its legal to own in his state before wasting time of the sellers. __________________ SUCCESS IS MEASURED BY YEARS, NOT MONTHS!!! 220 Tank build http://www.aquariumforum.com/f15/sta...late-3253.html

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