Pirahnas in brackish water

[nomaddan]

I have 4 pirahnas and 2 red clawed crabs. The crabs are not doing to well and I was told they might need brackinsh water. I am alos having trouble keeping my PH below 7 and was told at the petstore adding salt might help with the PH peoblem. The question is can Red Bellies live in brackish water? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to lose my crabs! The are an excellent way of cleaning the tank!

Thanks!

 

[guppymonkey]

I don't think that any species of piranhas are brackish. Piranhas (the ones I have read about) are from south america and are usually in the amazon river basin. The amazon runs into the ocean, not away it. A little salt might be good (most fish medicines are made mostly from salt!) but brackish would be going too far. I doubt that piranhas could stand the osmotic pressure changes going from fresh to salt.

 

[Teelie]

Probably not. Move the crabs to their own tank and make it brackish instead.

 

[nomaddan]

Maybe brackish was the wrong word to use. I guess i just need to add a little salt to help balance the ph. I was told to get some aquarium salt and just add a tsp per gallon. Anybody know if that is ok.

 

[Teelie]

I think Redclaws are true brackish but I'm not positive. Some salt, not excessive should be okay with Piranha though you'll want to break it down in some water before adding it directly to the tank.

 

[sylvia]

I do not think salt would keep your pH below 7. Adding driftwood, on the other hand, might. How large is this tank with 4 piranhas?

 

[Opcn]

Pirahnas have been known to swim as far as three miles out from the mouth of the amazon on the "Fresh" water that runs ontop of the heavyer full salt water, I'll bet that they can handle a pinch of salt.

 

[nomaddan]

Sounds good. I added about three teaspoons of salt and they seem to be doing ok. My PH dropped al ittle as well. Not enough to call it 6.9 but I can see a difference. I also added some salt to my sick tank with me crab and he is doing much better.

I have my 4 red bellies in a 20g...before you start yelling at me, they are only 1" and yes I plan on moving them up once they grow. You can't tell me 20g is not big enough for 4" of fish.

Thanks all for the tips, advice and educated guesses!