I had one that was 5in. lived for a month then died. I had some buddies have the same thing happen. Tell me everything there is to keep one alive. As far as I know I had everything right. It ate mostly feeders and cut-up nightcrawlers. I had the temp at 81-82F. 90 Gallon tank with 3 african pikes the same size and orange pike cichlid same size. Two aquaclear 110 and eheim professional 2 canister 2028. Water change once a week. What quality of water do they prefer or did my pike stress him out after a month???
Arapaima
- Thread starter ray777
- Start date
ya.... your arapaima got stressed out....... besides it was very young at 5in. try to get something more than 8in at least. cheers
I wouldn't start them out with any other fish. I've done best with just arapaima juvies in tanks by themselves. 90 is a fairly small start as well. Try stating at about a 300 to 500 gallon. Within a year, expect to have 10,000 gallons. At 4 years, you'll need 30K or more. It's best to have the end tank up and running correctly prior to starting them in the small tank. I've yet to see someone get a young arapaima and be able to build a big enough tank by the time the fish needs it. Make sure the tanks are fully cycled.
Need to know more about your set up as well. Substrate? Decor? Lighting? Water parameters? How old was the set up?
Need to know more about your set up as well. Substrate? Decor? Lighting? Water parameters? How old was the set up?
Zoodiver;1102099; said:
A lil dramatic are we?? The set up was fine as far as water parmeters, lighting, decor, substrate and setup time. I was just raising it for someone. I dont think to many people will do what you are saying is necessary for the fish. But then again maybe we shouldnt be selling them if thats the case. I am pretty sure he was just to small and being stressed by the pikes my fault!!
I know a couple people who have had them die at smaller sizes. But I remember either zoo or john(and mansterkill apparently) saying they're are very fragile at this size
I got my gigas pair at about 7inches each. they had no other tankmates aside from themselves. in my experience with arapaimas, a couple of things have to go wrong all together for them to die. perhaps a combination of stress and diet. or maybe it was sick in the fist place. in any case, they are a relatively strong type of fish. cheers
Whatever the case is there is nothing wrong with starting a 5inch pima in a 90 gallon and moving him more then likely in a month or so to a bigger tank. The real problem is that I heard they are very strong fish except when they are small and when they are big and you have to transfer them. I also have no clue how long the wholesaler had it before he shipped it to me. Either way sensitive subject lol