Arowana fish are among the most sought-after freshwater aquarium fish, known for their majestic appearance and unique swimming style. However, due to their large size and specific care requirements, providing an appropriate tank size is crucial for their health and longevity. In this guide, we will explore the ideal tank size for Arowana fish and other essential considerations to keep them thriving.
Understanding the Size of Arowana Fish
Arowanas can grow quite large, depending on the species. The most common types of Arowana include:
- Silver Arowana – Can grow up to 36 inches (91 cm) in length.
- Asian Arowana – Reaches about 24-30 inches (61-76 cm).
- Black Arowana – Similar in size to Silver Arowanas, growing up to 36 inches.
- Jardini Arowana – Usually smaller, around 24 inches (61 cm).
Given their potential growth, choosing an appropriately sized tank is essential to accommodate their movement and natural behavior.
Minimum Tank Size for Arowana Fish
Buy asian arowana require ample swimming space due to their active nature. The minimum recommended tank sizes for different types of Arowana are:
- For Silver and Black Arowana: A minimum of 250-300 gallons (946-1135 liters) is required.
- For Asian and Jardini Arowana: A tank of at least 180-250 gallons (681-946 liters) is recommended.
These are minimum requirements, and a larger tank is always better to ensure your Arowana’s comfort.
Ideal Tank Dimensions
Tank dimensions are just as important as volume. Arowanas are horizontal swimmers, so they need a tank with ample length. The ideal dimensions for an Arowana tank should be:
- Length: At least 6 feet (1.8 meters) or more.
- Width: A minimum of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters).
- Height: Around 2 feet (0.6 meters) or more.
A long and wide tank ensures that Arowanas have enough space to swim freely without feeling cramped.
Why Tank Size Matters
Providing a large tank for Arowanas is critical for several reasons:
- Prevents Stress and Aggression: Arowanas can become aggressive in a confined space.
- Supports Proper Growth: Arowanas need space to grow to their full potential.
- Maintains Water Quality: A larger tank helps dilute waste, reducing toxic buildup.
- Encourages Natural Behavior: Spacious tanks allow Arowanas to exhibit their natural swimming patterns.
Filtration and Water Conditions
Since Arowanas are large fish, they produce significant waste, making a high-quality filtration system essential. Consider using:
- Canister Filters: Powerful and efficient at handling large bioloads.
- Sump Filters: Provide excellent biological and mechanical filtration.
- Regular Water Changes: Changing 20-30% of the water weekly helps maintain optimal conditions.
The ideal water parameters for Arowanas are:
- Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
- pH Level: 6.5-7.5
- Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (5-12 dGH)
Tank Setup and Decoration
Arowanas require a well-structured environment. Here are some key elements to include:
- Minimal Decorations: Keep decorations minimal to provide more swimming space.
- Strong Lid: Arowanas are powerful jumpers, so a secure lid is necessary.
- Substrate: Use fine gravel or sand for a natural look.
- Lighting: Moderate lighting is ideal to mimic natural conditions.
Tank Mates for Arowana
Arowanas can be aggressive, so choosing the right tank mates is crucial. Suitable companions include:
- Bichirs
- Oscar Fish
- Silver Dollars
- Plecos
- Arowanas of the same size (in a large enough tank)
Avoid keeping Arowanas with smaller fish that can be seen as prey.
Final Thoughts
Providing the right tank size for Arowanas is essential to their well-being. A minimum of 180-300 gallons is required, depending on the species, with an emphasis on length and width. Proper filtration, water quality, and tank setup further contribute to a healthy environment for these magnificent fish. Investing in a spacious tank will ensure that your Arowana thrives for years to come.
