piranhas

[cloude]

which r the best to keep tiger oscars or piranhas and how long should i leave the water in a newly set up tank before getting them. and do i need live plants or will plastic ones do

[BondGirl]

Both are pretty cool; I had 2 pirranhas (Colin and Dave), who got on really well...until they had a fight and Colin lost his eye - he was that placid he went into my community tank no problems!!

Apparently pirranhas are very dirty, so a good filter is required, although I found them no dirtier than any other fish.  I also had real plants in with them - after all, a tank should be a natural habitat for them - no wonder all the kids goldfishes die, when people insist on putting those illuminous skulls in with them or those dodgy treasure chests that pop open with the bubbles!!

Any reputable pet shop will be able to advise on the best plants etc. If you got plastic ones with the tank and they are still packaged, most shops will swap for real plants - always worth asking.

 I tend to leave my water for about 2 weeks, with the filter and heater on.  Obviously fish have to be introduced very slowly - don't go out and buy 10 - you will lose most of them.

Another thing to take into consideration is the size that these two particular species can grow to - is your tank big enough?  Piranhas can grow to the size of a dinner plate.

It is also (and I am sure I am right in saying this), against the law to knowingly be sold "live" food for other animals consumption, but there's a huge variety out there that your fish will love - flake, brine shrimp, bloodworm etc etc.

Happy Fishing!

[Marine1]

I think you would be best joining an on line forum specifically from Tropical Fish like this one

http://www.uk-aquarist.com/index.php?act=idx

Dez