An Extremely Gutsy Mix, Is it Possible?

[SilverArowanaBoi]

Hello everyone! I was wondering if I could get guidance on stocking my 55-gallon tank. I'm considering a very gutsy prospect, but it may work (especially since some of the fish are not permanent stays).

Here is the fish:

1 Silver Arowana (want to buy it around 2-3 inches and raise it until about 6-8 inches), 1 Reed Fish, 1 Elephant Nose Fish, 1 Black Ghost Knifefish (also a temporary stay, but currently have), 1 Striped Raphael Catfish, 1 Irwin Soldier Catfish (also temporary stay).

Ok, I know what many people are probably going to say (*imagines people saying I'm crazy* lol), but all of these fish have been kept in the back of my mind for a long time and I've done extensive research on all of these fish. And, I'm also probably going through with this plan, unless some really disturbing info persuades me otherwise.

I really would like some pointers on how long I could roughly keep some of the larger fish (Arowana, knifefish, and soldier cat) and would the fish I've chosen be compatible with a juvenile arowana.

Also, I would like some info on the behavioral patterns of these fish for those of you who have kept one or more of these species listed.

If this combo is just plain too risky, what are some other oddball and more "normal" options I could do?

 

[jclyde13]

The arowana would definitely be the first to move out. If you buy it at 3", I'd give it maybe 5 months before it really needs an upgrade.

 

[tlindsey]

I'd give it maybe 5 months before it really needs an upgrade.

Absolutely true silver arowana grow fast.

 

[jjohnwm]

I swear that this thread is a carbon-copy of another one dating back a couple years; that one had a 40gallon tank full of water that looked like weak lemonade, stocked with a cornucopia of young monster fish...arowana, pacu, RTC, I forget what-all else. That guy also took pains to tell us all about the vast knowledge base he had amassed in his few years of aquarium-keeping. He didn't want to hear anything that went contrary to his view of his own infallibility.

A few months (and many dead fish) later, he was scrambling to sell off his stock; surprisingly, nobody here on MFK, after reading about and seeing the disgusting conditions in which these fish had survived, was interested in bringing them home. I forget what happened with the survivors; he might have given some away?

Is that disturbing enough for you? It was certainly disturbing for those of us who watched the downward spiral of that thread...and that tank...

 

[fishhead0103666]

And, I'm also probably going through with this plan, unless some really disturbing info persuades me otherwise.

What it seems you’re trying to do is get just a single person to say it’s a good or even a decent idea so you can cement it in your mind that it’s not only possible but a great idea, unfortunately for you there is no one on that site that will condone what you are trying to do. Buying a fish just to rehome it a few months later in the case of the arowana is never a good option. I believe tlindsey has a story about an arowana.

I know what it’s like to be young and get your first big tank that seems like it can fit any fish under the sun but trust me, this isn’t how you should go about it. Let this idea go and let’s start over, we can give you different stocking options until you find a *great* one that suits you and the fish.

 

[Deadeye]

I agree with all of the above - and am going to mention that while none of the mentioned fish are an option (except the raphael), they do all have relatives that would thrive in the 55 long term.
Silver arowana - African butterflyfish
Ropefish - senegal bichir
Elephant nose + bgk - African brown knife (others can chime in on if that is doable)
Irwini cat - raphael cat

Not only can all of these fish live in a 55, but they are compatible long term due to peaceful disposition and small size. Some can be difficult to keep, but no more so than your proposed stock.
We’ve all been there wanting to put as much as possible into a tank too small, and all of us have killed fish as a result.

 

[Trouser Cough]

Poorly informed choices are also gutsy decisions?

 

[SilverArowanaBoi]

In response to jjohnwm@, I have one major factor that is the opposite of the guy in the story, I'm very particular about the cleanliness of my tank. I give it an appropriate deep clean every week and before I go out of town, and if algae gets out of control, I wipe down the sides of the tank (I actually just did that earlier today).

In response to fishhead0103666@, I want to get the opinions of many, even if they oppose my idea. I'm not looking for one person to confirm and then rush to the fish store and get what I said I would get, I want what's best for the fish first. I will not go through with the idea if I don't believe it would be beneficial to both parties (in this case, the fish and me, which I think I won't follow through with).

In response to Deadeye@, I agree with your options. And I wouldn't mind owning a super freakin' awesome bichir .

In response to Trouser Bark@, gutsy is different than poorly informed. I'm not nessacarily poorly informed, because I've done many, many, many months of research on these fish and many others. Gutsy is knowingly doing something that could end up going wrong or going right.

I do truly appreciate the help and the responses! The different options will give me more to research and think about and try to find what will be the best fit for the tank.

 

[fishhead0103666]

In response to fishhead0103666@, I want to get the opinions of many, even if they oppose my idea. I'm not looking for one person to confirm and then rush to the fish store and get what I said I would get, I want what's best for the fish first. I will not go through with the idea if I don't believe it would be beneficial to both parties (in this case, the fish and me, which I think I won't follow through with).

If that’s the case then I misjudged you and for that I apologize. Now tell me, when you think of a fish tank what do you see? Big teeth, small fish, plants, Aquascaped, etc? If you can put into words what type of tank you want then that will help a lot. And along with it what type of fish just makes you happy?

 

[Trouser Cough]

Do you already have the tank you'd be moving these fish to once they've grown a bit? A 55g grow out full of carnivores will likely require more WC's than most would like and if you skip a few of them that Aro would have holes in its fins that every other fish keeper would recognize instantly as an NO3 burn.