5 Red Bellies, 1 Barracuda, Help Please

[FlyingFarhad]

Ok guys new to having fish (Obviously...)

I have a 30 gallon tank w/ a biowheel, water moving filter, 2 heaters (75 watt, 100 watt), plenty of stones, 5 large plants and a tunnel.

In this tank I have five red bellied paranhas (Size of quarters), and one silver barracuda (4"). They are living in harmany so far. These are my questions.

1. Is there an algea eater (or something small of the sort) that could clean the tank of half eaten feeders, poop, ect. and not get eaten. Or eat a lot before being eaten?

2. Piranhas swimming low to the ground in the tank? I've had them for two days. I've had the 'cuda for a month and a half. Does that matter?

3. Best feed. I have frozen brine shrimp, feeders, cichlid pellets. Whats most healthy for them.

4. I love the red bellies, so should I get rid of the 'cuda? For there saftey.

Thank you and give me all the info you have. Again thank you greatly as I love these fish and want to have them for a long time!!!

Farhad

 

[FlyingFarhad]

And what part of the forum should i be looking under for the RBs?

 

[piratedninja]

first off you dont need both heaters in there, the 75watt should be fine or the 100watt, but no need for both
1)algae eaters only eat algae and other plants, from what i know, there arent any animals that eat fish poop you have to do a gravel cleaning every week to get rid of the poop, you might be able to get some shrimp to eat the uneaten food only feed enough for them to eat it in 2-3 min anything more is just going to pollute the water

2)the pirahnas might be scared of the cuda?
3)ive never had experience with those fish but im guessing brineshrimp is probably healthiest
4) if possible isolate the cuda for a few days and see how the pirahnas are doing

 

[FlyingFarhad]

Thx any more info! I'm kind of loosing intrest in the 'cuda so should i bring him in to the pet store? I've had him for a month and a half. He's been through alot with me (an oscar, asian gar, florida gar, bull shark...)

PLZ keep the info coming, tring to learn as much as possible!

 

[piratedninja]

yea go ahead and take him back
im guessing hes scaring the little pirahnas

 

[FlyingFarhad]

Alright i think i will.

Stupid question, do you think i could hide a pellet or two in the brine shrimp?

 

[poopsydrew]

Thx any more info! I'm kind of loosing intrest in the 'cuda so should i bring him in to the pet store? I've had him for a month and a half. He's been through alot with me (an oscar, asian gar, florida gar, bull shark...)

PLZ keep the info coming, tring to learn as much as possible!

Taking a fish back because your losing interest in it isnt very ethical IMO. I am guessing when you say he has been through a lot recently and then you name the fish they have died? well, i am sorry for your loss. But sounds like you need to do more research before you buy. I am not trying to sound rude but it sounds like you havent done too much research as you have 2 heaters running in a 30 gallon and you are taking a fish back because you are "losing interest." Im sorry i cant help you much with your question but i can tell you that the Rbp will need more than just brine shrimp in their diet. Good luck with all of your fish and sorry if you lost the above fish.

Drew

 

[fish-r-fancy]

For all of those fish your going to need a much bigger tank, even though they are small now. I suggest that you rehome all of your fish and start with some nice smaller fish that don't grow as large. And no you can't stuff brine shrimp with pellets they are actually living animals. Here is a picture of one:
http/www.virtualsciencefair.org/2004/joh...brineshrimp.jpg

Good luck with your new tank!

 

[FlyingFarhad]

No the above fish were friends fish while he was moving, and the florida gar i traded in for the 5 rbp. Im sorry if i came of as a fish killer or some stupid punk that enjoys killing fish! I love my fish DEARLY! I jsut am looking for information on my new hobby.

FARHAD

 

[.Relinquished]

You're going to need at least a 75 Gallon fish tank for the RBP. And even thats a little small for them at adult size.

 

[FlyingFarhad]

For all of those fish your going to need a much bigger tank, even though they are small now. I suggest that you rehome all of your fish and start with some nice smaller fish that don't grow as large. And no you can't stuff brine shrimp with pellets they are actually living animals. Here is a picture of one:
http/www.virtualsciencefair.org/2004/joh...brineshrimp.jpg

Good luck with your new tank!

Frozen and chopped up in a block. not alive.

 

[poopsydrew]

No the above fish were friends fish while he was moving, and the florida gar i traded in for the 5 rbp. Im sorry if i came of as a fish killer or some stupid punk that enjoys killing fish! I love my fish DEARLY! I jsut am looking for information on my new hobby.

FARHAD

You didnt come off as a fish killer or a stupid punk, i just thought those fish had died. I am glad you are looking for info, but as pointed out you need more space for your fish. All i was saying was next time do all of your research before buying anything. good luck

Drew

 

[FlyingFarhad]

I have a hard time beliving that they need a bigger tank! There pack (of 5) Barely take up a corner. I have seen fully grown RBP's @ 8 in", and that would be too big but now....?

 

[poopsydrew]

I have a hard time beliving that they need a bigger tank! There pack (of 5) Barely take up a corner. I have seen fully grown RBP's @ 8 in", and that would be too big but now....?

well believe it, you will stunt their growth and shorten their lifespan by keeping them in a smaller tank. You need to realize it is not all about how big the fish are but also their swimming requirements. RBP are going to need a lot of space to swim around, if they cant, then they becomed stressed and more susceptible to disease. When you buy fish you plan on the adult size and needs, not what they are now.

Drew

 

[.Relinquished]

So does that mean you plan on upgrading when they get bigger? Ive heard they grow fast, and I have a friend who has 10 inch RBP.

By putting them in a tiny tank it will just make them jumpy, and stunt their growth.