Finally hopped on the Aro bandwagon

[lingi]

I set up this new tank originally to grow out the smallest of my 2 Cross River Puffers, but when I put the little goofball in the tank looked really empty. Compared to my other puffers he’s really friendly and not nippy at all, so I decided to get some Datnoids, which have always been a dream fish of mine. I thought if in the future the puffer becomes antisocial, I’ll just get him his own tank. So far they’ve been getting along great. I also added 3 small bichirs (ornate, endlicheri, & palmas), so far so good. But I really hadn’t been enjoying the tank as much as I expected. To the point that I was starting to consider getting rid of the Datnoids. They were just so inactive and shy, the tank looked empty every time I looked at it.



Enter the golden blue base cross-back. My girlfriend convinced me and she wanted to get it herself, so ok whatever. We put it in last Sunday and wow! Within 30 minutes all the Datnoids just flipped a switch and came out, and they’ve been swimming around ever since, slowly following the Arowana from beneath like they’re worshipping it! I’ve never seen anything like it, their behaviour did a complete 180. It’s like they feel the Arowana is protecting them and they have nothing to fear anymore. I seriously would never keep Datnoids again without an Arowana! The tank looks so alive and active. The Arowana really has a presence and aura about it. It swims elegantly and is very confident, and it was eating 5 hours after it went in the tank. The puffer is just doing his puffer thing like nothing else exists, but I love that idiot. He will have to really upset me before I consider moving him, but so far he’s never shown a hint of aggression towards bigger fish.



Anyways just thought to make a post to share how happy I am with my new tank and Arowana right now!

 

[Miks786]

Love the idea tank!!
But isn’t it only a matter of time until the puffer attacks everything in there???

 

[Peacock_bass_fr]

Love the idea tank!!
But isn’t it only a matter of time until the puffer attacks everything in there???

I agree.
Even if it’s not agressive now, all it takes is one thing to happen and that puffer goes on a rampage and kills all of his tank mates. Not worth the risk imo.

 

[lingi]

Love the idea tank!!
But isn’t it only a matter of time until the puffer attacks everything in there???

Thanks!

I might eat my words later but I have many other puffers and from my experience they are a bit like dogs in the sense that they each have very different personalities.

I’ve kept this guy for 3 months now and I’ve watched him interact with small catfish, loaches, and tetras in his previous tank. My assessment is that he’s as gentle as Cross River Puffers come, at least for now, so I decided to take the gamble and grow him out in this tank. My other Cross River Puffer would absolutely maul the Datnoids right off the bat when they go to steal his food, he has a nasty temper.

I remain ready to move this little one as soon as I smell trouble but so far they’re getting along just fine.

 

[lingi]

I agree.
Even if it’s not agressive now, all it takes is one thing to happen and that puffer goes on a rampage and kills all of his tank mates. Not worth the risk imo.

I completely understand the concern. For the next few months I believe everything will definitely be a-okay, the puffer definitely is nowhere near being able to take out a bichir let alone one of the datnoids or the arowana. I also have never seen him even attempt to nip or bite any other fish so far, and before this tank he was in a tank right in front of my office desk so I had him in my sight 8-10 hours a day, and he shared the tank with synodontis, loaches, and neon tetras. So he has earned my trust for now. I will be closely monitoring the situation and will take him out of the tank if he starts causing problems.