I just received a 10 inch (plus) red-bellied Pacu and a Pleco (common) as a gift. I presently have them both in a 29 gallon. What size should I buy as I fell in love with Matthew (I've named him this---he seems SO sweet!--Pacu) I want to keep him (and the pleco) and was wondering if I should get him a tank-mate (of same size/breed). Also, I have had him for approx. 1 month and he was healthy when he was introduced to the tank, but now has an open sore on his nose and a slit above each eye. I have been giving a tsp of "Melafix" each day for the past 5 days (nothing seems to be healing!). He is a ravenous eater (the previous owner was feeding him ONLY feeder fish---after researching this species on-line, I realized he was an omnivore and have since offered him bananas/berries/grapes/peas---which he LOVED and I also supplement with feeder-fish occassionally---he seems to love the thrill of "hunting")and has not stopped eating, but I do want to keep him and will buy whatever tank necessary to get/keep him healthy. I think I should take a few tests of the water? If so, can someone give me some advice as to what levels these fish (and the pleco) would flourish at? THANK YOU!!!!! (FYI---I have kept small community tanks before, but I never knew how much I would love these giants!!!) -Paigey
HELP! I just got a HUGE red Pacu as a gift!
- Thread starter paigey
- Start date
giant is an under statement. a 29 gallon for a 10 pacu is not good. do you know that you will eventially need a huge tank(500+gallons)
More like a 1000g tank... pacu get 2-4ft, depending on the specie. See if your LFS will take it, as it isn't *that* big yet.
I know it's hard, but unless you have the funds to get/make such a big tank, I would rethink keeping it any longer. You don't want it to get too big, or to get to attached to it.
Sorry
I know it's hard, but unless you have the funds to get/make such a big tank, I would rethink keeping it any longer. You don't want it to get too big, or to get to attached to it.
Sorry
cyberbeer65
Scratch Glass!
I also think you should scold whoever gave you the fish 
!!! Was it a gift or a "I can't keep them any longer, maybe this person will" gift??? There was another thread a little while back in which someone got an innapropriate fisH as a gift and some people replied that they should return the favor by giving them a child or a pet skunk 
!!! Was it a gift or a "I can't keep them any longer, maybe this person will" gift??? There was another thread a little while back in which someone got an innapropriate fisH as a gift and some people replied that they should return the favor by giving them a child or a pet skunk 
I think you should return the generosity of that person...and buy them a baby elephant....they're soooooo cute when they're little !
Oh my god, that sounds like when someone purchased an 8" clown knife for my 10 gallon tank at work. Ummm ya - thats going back I told them 
They were upset but people should ask about these kinds of things.
That said, I have had a Pacu in my 100 gallon before. It got to 15" before I realized that it wont stop growing. I had to give it to a LFS but it was a very VERY personable fish. Very friendly and would take food from my hand. If I had the ability to have a giant house with a 1000 gallon or 2000 gallon tank, I wouldnt mind having a Pacu. Make that 5000 gallon
They were upset but people should ask about these kinds of things. That said, I have had a Pacu in my 100 gallon before. It got to 15" before I realized that it wont stop growing. I had to give it to a LFS but it was a very VERY personable fish. Very friendly and would take food from my hand. If I had the ability to have a giant house with a 1000 gallon or 2000 gallon tank, I wouldnt mind having a Pacu. Make that 5000 gallon
keep in mind that a common pleco will get to 20-24 inches. you'll need a much bigger tank for that one.
cyberbeer65
Scratch Glass!