Help with piranha..?

Question

I really want to purchase a piranha, but i've only had freshwater semi tropcal fish, and I'm a little lost. I basically have no idea where to start..
Should I buy one or a school?
Heating, filtration, etc..
What size tank (obviously, bigger than a 10 or 25 gal)
Feeding
cleaning (will it bite off my fingers if I clean the tank??)
Best types of piranhas ( I really want something scary looking)
Live or plastic plants
Decor
adding salt??

Any help would be awesome thanks!

Answer 1

I think Piranhas aren't for the faint of hearts. They can be nasty and won't hesitate before chewing the feeding hand off.

I will try to answer a few questions of yours.
Piranha raised alone lack socialization, so they cant be added to a school later. So you can start with one or many, but don't change your mind later. They grow upto 8-10 inches.. So better buy a big aquarium.
Another thing would be that they prefer only meat and live prey. So you will need to feed them small fish, earthworm and smaller creatures.
Plants dont matter, unless you give them a meat smelling one (Just joking!)
yeah they will eat/wound your hand while cleaning. And, they require a lot of cleaning since they eat meat and high protien diets. So expect regular washings.

Overall, its an expensive(and hazardous) hobby.

Answer 2

You should buy a school of them, about 6-12 should be good.you can red bellied piranhas(those are the ones that are usually in the movies.)online about an inch long for 5 dollars each.the good thing about them is that they dont get too big for a hom tank.they get about 6 inches long at the most.your going to have to get a 75 gallon tank and a filter that can cope with the waste. for a 75 gallon you should use at least a 110 galllon filter.the water needs to be warm, 75-85 should be fine.you can feed them them meaty foods in smaller servings through out the day. for cleaning you shoud take them out into a holding tank.you should probably clean the tank 2 times a month.for plants i would use live ones.theyre not that expensive(bout 2-4 dollars each.) and they oxygenate the water, too.for bedding i would use very fine olive brown gravel(you could pick up a few bags at your local pet store Best of luck on your new pets!

Answer 3

do more research.

red belly piranhas grow to about 12-13 inches. They must school so do the math
big fish+ school = one very large tank.

Piranhas should have about 55 gallons for 1. but they do best in 100 + gallon tanks.

There are many types of piranhas ou there, but red bellys are the most common, other species will run you like 100-400 dollars per fish.

They need excellent filteration. Canister filters are best to keep the water good. Heated water is good as these fish are from the amazon.

They dont require decor but it is a good idea.

My red belly is very gentle and i can touch him an he wont bite. Then again i have a special bond with all of my fishes.

My RBP eats pellets, minnows, frozen bloodworms.

Bottomline, you need more research, and piranhas are not good for beginners.

Answer 4

Piranha Fish
Starting a Piranha Tank
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/5962/Start.html

Answer 5

Piranhas are schooloing fish. you have 2 get atleast 6 to 8 for a decent school.A 25 gal or even bigger tank should help as a good habitat. Dont spend much on filtraton, an internal filter can work well. but dont forget the weekly water changes of 25%.this shall keep your water clean and fish growing and healthy.Red belly pirhanhas are the best for display. Avoid any live plants,use driftwood and rocks for decor and a bare bottom for cleaning easily.maintain a steady temperature of 25to 26degC. salt is not needed. have fun.

Answer 6

Hahaha, which may make sense... he additionally has a draw to blood, like piranha's... and sharp teeth!! My God, you have gotten in basic terms uncovered the secret of the comprehensive Twilight sequence! Edward Cullen is particularly incredibly a piranha in conceal as a vampire! is wise to me. Hahahaha.

Answer 7

get a school. You will need at least a 100gal tank They grow to around 15" . If you just get one it will die. Piranha are social fish and need to be in groups. You might want to make sure you can even get them where you live ,They are illegal in some states.

Answer 8

you really need to go to an expert on this one. Take your questions to the local tropical fish store. sorry I couldn't help. I would be interested in your other answers. good luck

Answer 9

I'll tell you what...
You'regonna need at LEAST a 120 gal tank
to keep them happy.

Answer 10

http://www.tropicalfishfinder.co.uk/article_detail.asp?id=15
try this