Above Ground Pond for Arowana

[Steven Williams]

I've been told that my arowana needs an upgrade so I'm trying to figure out a way to do so with a high probability of it being accepted by my parents (high school student)
I think this idea may work but I need some feedback on the specifics since I'm new at ponds
Here's what I've got so far:
Intex Pool (metal framing): 10'x30" (is 30 inches too shallow if so can you guys tell me an appropriate depth)
Pond filter (need a recommended brand here) preferably one suited for at least 500 gals
Pump: Tetra pond debris handling pump (1 or 2 not sure always prefer more water agitation)
Water agitator: maybe a fountain or just tubes
Heater: need recommendation (live in South Florida coldest 50 degrees)
Chicken wire fencing around the pool with it standing higher than pond and koi pond netting (protection from arowana jumping and predators (not likely live in neighborhood with no woods)
Any other recommendations? Substrate or not (personally I don't think I'm putting any) plants (maybe) other fish (not many) maybe fish that maintanence the pond (anti-mosquito fish might get eaten by arowana though)
Feedback please

The arowana's a bit over 2 feet

 

[Chaos32]

30" depth is not a issue. Arowanas are surface feeders and even in the Amazon dwell near the surface. In South East Asia, Aro ponds are not deep. Perhaps a shaded section during the hot time of the year in Florida or floating plants.

Appropriate filter capable of filtering the pond a good idea. There is no need to have very strong current or huge surface aggitation since Aros prefer a bit of still water.

No experience with heaters since in my part of the world it's not needed. Probably a good idea to insure no dead spots in the pond when heating it.

Some kind of netting to prevent the Aro jumping that's both has some give yet strong. I have had a Aro break through wire metal mesh just to give you a idea of how strong they are. As it is a pond, substrate isn't necessary and would complicated the cleaning of the pond not to mention the rough substrate could rupture the Intex pool.

 

[Steven Williams]

30" depth is not a issue. Arowanas are surface feeders and even in the Amazon dwell near the surface. In South East Asia, Aro ponds are not deep. Perhaps a shaded section during the hot time of the year in Florida or floating plants.

Appropriate filter capable of filtering the pond a good idea. There is no need to have very strong current or huge surface aggitation since Aros prefer a bit of still water.

No experience with heaters since in my part of the world it's not needed. Probably a good idea to insure no dead spots in the pond when heating it.

Some kind of netting to prevent the Aro jumping that's both has some give yet strong. I have had a Aro break through wire metal mesh just to give you a idea of how strong they are. As it is a pond, substrate isn't necessary and would complicated the cleaning of the pond not to mention the rough substrate could rupture the Intex pool.

Thanks for the response
Do you know a good filter brand for ponds?
Also the arowana is a silver which is big so does 30" still work for those? (I plan this to be till adulthood)
Well florida doesn't get really cold so I'll probably have a standard pond heater
I will definitely have a shaded area with an artificial shade and some floating plants
I'll have some strong netting and fencing too to make sure even if it jumps out it'll bounce back into the pond and ya I'll have no substrate thanks for the clarification
How about tankmates its currently with angels and a jack dempsey but I don't plan moving them over. I kinda just want fish that can keep the pond clean and maintained while surviving an arowana

 

[Chaos32]

Thanks for the response
Do you know a good filter brand for ponds?
Also the arowana is a silver which is big so does 30" still work for those? (I plan this to be till adulthood)
Well florida doesn't get really cold so I'll probably have a standard pond heater
I will definitely have a shaded area with an artificial shade and some floating plants
I'll have some strong netting and fencing too to make sure even if it jumps out it'll bounce back into the pond and ya I'll have no substrate thanks for the clarification
How about tankmates its currently with angels and a jack dempsey but I don't plan moving them over. I kinda just want fish that can keep the pond clean and maintained while surviving an arowana

I cannot recommend brands since the brands available here in South East Asia you might not be able to get where you are. My opinion is 30" is good enough although some prefer it deeper. Given the Aro is a surface dweller, that's where it will be spending the majority of its time. I gather the depth will be restricted by the models Intex produces.

As for tanks mates, it can be a trial and error thing. It greatly depends on the individual Aro's behaviour. I have a big red Aro that is currently living with 25 Altum Angels for example. There are tried and tested selections but the basis is the ditter fishes should be big enough not to fit into a Aros mouth etc. In the Amazon, silvers live with Plecos, catfishes etc so some research into the biotope would yield ideas.

 

[Steven Williams]

I cannot recommend brands since the brands available here in South East Asia you might not be able to get where you are. My opinion is 30" is good enough although some prefer it deeper. Given the Aro is a surface dweller, that's where it will be spending the majority of its time. I gather the depth will be restricted by the models Intex produces.

As for tanks mates, it can be a trial and error thing. It greatly depends on the individual Aro's behaviour. I have a big red Aro that is currently living with 25 Altum Angels for example. There are tried and tested selections but the basis is the ditter fishes should be big enough not to fit into a Aros mouth etc. In the Amazon, silvers live with Plecos, catfishes etc so some research into the biotope would yield ideas.

Thanks
That is true with the filters
As for the intex models yep for 10 ft diameter depth is only 30 inches sadly and the next step up is too big for the area I need we will see about getting the next size or not
Yeah the silver is currently with angels and cichlids as its always been with
I don't have good experience with catfish as they aren't my type of fish I will most likely have floating plants, a pleco, some mild cichlids, and maybe another fish not too many since the aro will be big and the pond isn't that deep.