500 Gallon Stocking Help

[DQCM]

Asked about Aros at PlanetCatfish (since I figured they'd know for sure if any of the cats would have problems with them) and I'm being told Arowanas need a 12'x6' footprint with LOTS of swimming space above. I'm almost certain that this information is a load of "something unpleasant" - am I safe in assuming such?

 

[ettfettbranamn]

well.. what are the dimensions of the 500? if you have a 30"+ width I'd say your'e good for an aro.. otherwise stay away from aros.. you could go for a ray, dats, a snakehead (marulioides), most aros are in my experience not very interested in consuming other fish.. unless you introduce a small fish very fast.. but then again, this is if you are interested in a MONSTER tank, if you would like to go for the smaller spiecies and make more like a biotope that looks great to, will you go planted? short; what are your plans and what do you want to achieve?

 

[DQCM]

"Measurements are 96''36''36''."

"My stocking list idea is;
3x Lima Shovelnose/Sorubim Lima
6x Altifrons Cichlid/Geophagus Altifrons
10x Brown Hoplo Cat/H. Litarrale (sp?)
2x Giant Whiptail"
(and now maybe 1xSilver Aro)

As for set-up inside the tank I want to do a sand substrate, densely planted on both ends but open besides a large rock or two in the front 2/3 of the center, with driftwood arranged along the back vertically for hiding spots.

 

[BadOscar]

Aro would love that tank. I had one that lived for 10 years in a 260 gallon tank that was 8' long x 2' deep x 26" high. He was given to me at a little over 12" when he out grew the owners 75 gallon tank. When he passed away a couple months ago he measured 30" long. Really great fish, mine liked to be patted when I cleaned the tank. He would swim under my hand and rub against my arm. When he was smaller I had several cichlids with him. Full grown the tank had the one Aro 30", one Midas 14", 2x Tinfoil Barbs 12"+ and 2x Pleco 12". There is an older pic of him in my photo Album if you go to my profile.