arapaima tank/pond size?

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ΡredatoryFishLover

ΡredatoryFishLover

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Oct 16, 2022
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I am not asking this question for personal reasons, rather general curiosity. what tank/pond size does a full grown arapaima truly need, and what do you guys see as the acceptable bare minimum? from all the research I have done into this, answers vary incredibly. I have heard as small as 1000 GL and as large as 15,000 GL.
 
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There are as many answers as there will be responses; "acceptable bare minimum" to one person is completely unacceptable to the next, and perhaps unnecessarily big to another.

But you should never strive for acceptable bare minimum; the goal should always be as close to optimum as you can manage...which of course is just as subjective.

I think a good rule of thumb to bear in mind is that if you find yourself asking other folks if your tank is big enough for a fish of a given species...that probably means that you know in your heart that it isn't.
 
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Our pima wouldn't stay in 5000 gal at 5.5ft. My estimation is for life the minimum is 30,000-50,000 US gal.
 
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jjohnwm said:
There are as many answers as there will be responses; "acceptable bare minimum" to one person is completely unacceptable to the next, and perhaps unnecessarily big to another.

But you should never strive for acceptable bare minimum; the goal should always be as close to optimum as you can manage...which of course is just as subjective.

I think a good rule of thumb to bear in mind is that if you find yourself asking other folks if your tank is big enough for a fish of a given species...that probably means that you know in your heart that it isn't.
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That is very true, and I agree. I improperly worded my question I meant not necessarily the bare minimum but how many gallons would let an arapaima live a fulfilling life in captivity? I know there will be a wide range of answers and opinions.
 
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Honestly can't understand why they would ever be kept in a tank. I understand that some have massive tanks and are amazing fish keepers, but the fish can grow to 10 foot.
 
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dmyersWv said:
Honestly can't understand why they would ever be kept in a tank. I understand that some have massive tanks and are amazing fish keepers, but the fish can grow to 10 foot.
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It will take half a century but even at 5ft you can get it something like a 50x50ft. Ponds are really more suitable, I agree.
 
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