[Futzman]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently in the process of cycling my 55g tank, and hopefully soon, will be adding some piranhas in. I've received some conflicting opinions on how many to get. I know the general rule is 1" of fish per gallon, but some people have told me that 4 would be crowding my tank while others have said all the way up to 8. I plan to buy them as babies or pretty young so I can watch them grow and stuff but I'm more concerned about once they reach their adult size. Also, I've heard to always buy them in even numbers. Is that true? What do you guys suggest? Also, any other tips/recommendations in regards to piranha care? I'm new to the whole fish hobby so any info would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

[CKY]

How many do you want to get? I'm getting a 40 gal. and wanting to get 3. I've heard that I could get away with it so I'm thinking you could put 4 for sure and maybe 5 if you really want to.

 

[acidsurvivor]

I would go with 3. If you were expereinced with piranhas 4 would be okay. But the width of the 55 gallon is not good when the piranhas mature.It'll be hard for them to make sharp turns,etc. The piranhas would love it if they had more width. I would upgrade to a 75 gallon after they hit 7-8 inches if you can offord it.

 

[NIKE]

you should buy them in odd numbers so they do not pair off and pick on the smaller ones

good luck beware your going to have lots of fun

 

[rosecityrhom]

The rule of 1 inch per gallon doesn't really apply to piranha's as they are an aggressive fish that can do a lot of damage if they unleash their aggression on another piranha. The general rule is 20 gallons per fish but with larger tanks...meaning 125 or more gallons...you could probably get away with maybe 10 gallons or so per fish.

 

[RhomZilla]

The rule of 1 inch per gallon doesn't really apply to piranha's as they are an aggressive fish that can do a lot of damage if they unleash their aggression on another piranha. The general rule is 20 gallons per fish but with larger tanks...meaning 125 or more gallons...you could probably get away with maybe 10 gallons or so per fish.

 

[B4theAmazon]

So,

as new piranha owner of 5 baby red-bellies in a 29gal., am I overdoing it?

 

[Raptor]

So,

as new piranha owner of 5 baby red-bellies in a 29gal., am I overdoing it?

Yes. They will be fine for a little bit. Maybe around 3-4 inches. Tank will need to be supersized to a 75 gal.

 

[Piranha King]

5 in a 29 is too many. 4 in a 55 is fine.
wes