Piranha HELP !!!!

[benny0505]

I had to put a red belly piranha in my tank.....but the only problem is that ...i have 4 sharks in there already....2 irridescent shark 1 black shark and 1 bala....up to now they seem to get along.....each fish has their own territory....but im really worried.......are all my fish gonna die

 

[glolite]

Why did you 'have' to put the phirana in?

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I personaly wouldn't mix piranhas at all with sharks, your fish are all very large growing fish and need alot of tank space, im concerned on wether you have enough space in the tank otherwise there's definatly going to be some heartbreak- how many gallons does the tank they are in hold and how long has it been set up?

 

[Oscar84]

Yea i would definetely get that Piranha out of there!!!! The sharks especially the irridescents get HUGE!!! I dont know if you know that or not but also they are not the most aggressive fish in the world if aggressive at all. If they were to fight there would be no competition for the piranha and that is just not fair to your other fish!! I would get that piranha out ASAP!!!!!!

 

[Angel Lady]

None of your fish would be any match for your Piranha. What size tank do you have??? I have three Piranha's and mine are sweethearts... The only time you have to watch is when you feed them.

 

[benny0505]

my tank is a 30 gallon tank....ive had it set up for about a week now....but it seems like the piranha took over the castle....but the other sharks always come close to him.....and he doesnt mind.....

i have no other tank for the piranha....i have to keep him in there.....
i know they are vicious fish......but im trying to get him used to everyone one else in the tank....

what to you guys think ?

 

[OohFeeshy]

Well, the tank isn't big enough for most of the sharks. Not sure about the black shark, but I know the silver shark is schooling and gets to 12'' plus. Its not big enough for a pirahna either. And the tank doesn't seem to be cycled either. Oh dear. Did you do ANY research?

 

[benny0505]

the people at the fish store said to wait a couple of days before putting the fishies in there.......and i did wait.....does it really matter if the cycle hasnt started ?

 

[OohFeeshy]

Yes. I'd take back all the fish ASAP. Read the article on fishless cycling in the FAQ section.

 

[dwarfgourami]

It is really essential NEVER to buy any fish until you have thoroughly researched it and know about its particular needs. If you had, you would have known that pretty well all the fish you have will grow too large for such a small tank, that piranhas apart from large tanks also need extra efficient filtration because of their messy habits, that they and bala sharks are schooling fish, and that piranhas are, well, piranhas...
I am not quite sure what you mean by saying you "had" to put the piranha in there? Did it force itself into your house when you weren't looking?
OohFeeshy is right, you do need to start again. Return the fish for now, do a fishless cycle and spend the waiting time researching and planning the tank properly. There are plenty of really interesting fish that will fit happily into a 30 gallon tank. But bala sharks and piranhas are definitely out.

 

[benny0505]

im telling you guys.....the pet shop people told me to wait one full day after getting my tank......the only problem that they said was taking a small risk with the red-belly.....but he seems fine ....... getting along and everything
he s by himself....so he s taking it easy ....... i have a friend that has 3 irridescent sharks - 10 convics - 3 piranhas 3 big gold fish....and EVERYONE IS chilling ..... had it like that for 10 months now........so why the h*ll cant you experiment......im telling you guys........the piranha looks good but i know \eventually ill have to get a bigger tank ..... and as for the fishless cycle....thats not a necessary.....even the big al peeps told me it was alrite..........



??

 

[WILDER]

I can't believe the lfs, they given you very bad advice, get the piranha back to the lfs quickly as possilbe that tank is why to small for all of them fish, take them all back and tell them to go on a fish keeping course, as obviously they don't no what they are doing.

 

[MAM]

im telling you guys.....the pet shop people told me to wait one full day after getting my tank......the only problem that they said was taking a small risk with the red-belly.....but he seems fine ....... getting along and everything
he s by himself....so he s taking it easy ....... i have a friend that has 3 irridescent sharks - 10 convics - 3 piranhas 3 big gold fish....and EVERYONE IS chilling ..... had it like that for 10 months now........so why the h*ll cant you experiment......im telling you guys........the piranha looks good but i know \eventually ill have to get a bigger tank ..... and as for the fishless cycle....thats not a necessary.....even the big al peeps told me it was alrite..........



??

Well, I guess you didn't need to be asking for advice then, eh?.

You asked a question, these people are very politely trying to help you to do what is best for your fish. It may not be what you want to hear but that's the way it is. Your tank mates are NOT compatible, nor is your tank large enough to hold these fish when they reach adult size, your fish shop told you wrong. This DOES happen, more often than it should. That's no reason to get upset wiht people here who just trying to help you sort this out.

I suggest you take all the fish back and buy something more suitable for a 30 gal tank. If you really want these larger fish, you'll need to get a larger tank first, then you can get the fish.

 

[dwarfgourami]

I think you can rely on it that the people on the forum have no other agenda than wanting to see fish well cared for.
Fish shop employees may not be experienced fishkeepers themselves; some are extremely knowledgeable, others know very little. They may never see any individual fish for more than the few weeks it takes to sell it; they don't have to deal with the aftermath and may not realise the consequences of their advice.
We are thinking of all the years of a fish's natural life. Besides, the job of lfs employees is to shift the merchandise off the shelves. If they can encourage you to buy a fish that means you are soon going to have to buy a bigger more expensive tank off them, then that's so much more money in the till, isn't it? I am not saying there are not honourable exceptions (plenty of members on this list!), but a lot of fishsellers are in it only for the money, and even the caring ones have got a living to make.
If you buy a pet, you are responsible for giving it a good life.

 

[@ombomb]

Ever seen a adult iridescent shark?

Look here

2 of those in a 30 is NOT a good experiment.