Giving my best

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Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Apr 5, 2009
70
0
36
Malaysia
Hi guys,

I'm not an outright newbie when it comes to keeping fish but definitely have a lot to learn when it comes to monster fish. I'm currently trying to provide the best possible environment for two Arapaimas to grow from young until adulthood without sacrificing anything with regards to their wellbeing be it size of enclosure or type of food or even maintenance of their pond. Basically, I want to do it properly and there are many on MFK whom I believe set the right example and could provide valuable advice.

This is what I've got in mind as an outdoor pond and would appreciate some feedback regarding size, depth and even shape (eg: would they prefer more squarish or more rectangular shaped pond) as I'm about to demolish current setup and can still change plans.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=372626

Since the Arapaima comes from the river, I believe it should be housed in something as similar to its natural habitat hence the above. There are two things I don't have which are expertise and endless cash and if I have to face the reality of not being able to provide the best for them then I'd rather not be irresponsible and go ahead with it. I've wanted Arapaimas for quite a few years now but its only now that I feel confident in being able to own a pair.

To be clear, I don't expect to achieve this on a shoestring budget but just like everyone else, I have other passions, priorities and commitments which come with their own sets of demands and constraints on my time, money and energy. Having said that, I do however have a couple of other options but only if the above isn't suitable as it is my first choice. I have made back-up plans/arrangements which I'll share if needed.

Thanks for any advice/opinions/recommendations/suggestions/criticism/flaming so long as its given with the fishes' best interests in mind. Peace. :headbang2
 
glad to see someone from my country..
can you speak in malay?
coz i'm not too fluent in english (but i'll try to avoid any grammar mistakes...heheheh..)

ikan arapaima ni cepat membesar..suka makan daging dan perlu diberi makan setiap hari..boleh rujuk dalam youtube dan search for 'arapaimas babies' atau 'baby arapaima'...boleh jugak tengok video di akaun lepak.tv saya..

http://www.lepak.tv/emperorsnakehead
 
putra;4668329; said:
glad to see someone from my country..
can you speak in malay?
coz i'm not too fluent in english (but i'll try to avoid any grammar mistakes...heheheh..)

ikan arapaima ni cepat membesar..suka makan daging dan perlu diberi makan setiap hari..boleh rujuk dalam youtube dan search for 'arapaimas babies' atau 'baby arapaima'...boleh jugak tengok video di akaun lepak.tv saya..

http://www.lepak.tv/emperorsnakehead
Click to expand...

Yes, I'm from Malaysia. Of course I can speak Malay bro :)

I don't think its polite for us to use other than English though but I just wanted assurance that the expansion plans I have made for my pond are suitable enough for 2 Arapaimas to grow until full length and if not, what more needs to be done.

It's the second pond in the list and I explain the future dimensions etc further on in the thread. You can PM me in Malay if you want. Thanks in advance.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=374121
 
Darth Scohin;4669805; said:
Sounds Big enough (30ftx20ftx6ft) Heck that's bigger than the display tank at my Aquarium for Paima....As was said a Good pre-chamber would be great. Good Luck
Click to expand...

Thanks dude. It's just that I feel many are reluctant to share with me details on where their Arapaimas end-up after a few years or even where the would be placed once its an adult and I feel its a fair thing to ask because they aren't easy to move even over short distances once they've grown.
 
Darth Scohin;4669805; said:
Sounds Big enough (30ftx20ftx6ft) Heck that's bigger than the display tank at my Aquarium for Paima....As was said a Good pre-chamber would be great. Good Luck
Click to expand...

Actually, after measuring out the pond dimensions and taking into account the mature trees and underground cables in the vicinity, I cannot go any wider than the current 15' but I can go as long as 40'.

So 40'x15'x6' dimensions (water depth 5.5') means 24,686 US gallons which I think is quite adequate. However I do have a few questions:

1) How important is depth for Arapaimas? Is 5.5' deep adequate considering its not a bottom feeder but I don't want to stunt its growth due to lack of depth.

2) What about pond 'decorations' should there be driftwood, etc - what's the best way to copy the Arapaima's natural habitat so that it feels secure, etc.

3) The pond is fully concrete but with a layer of sand on the bottom - is this a good choice or should there be gravel mixed with sand or should I tile the whole thing?

4) Is 15' width enough for an adult Arapaima to turn comfortably? I realize they aren't 'rigid' like Gars but if mine grow to over 10', surely 15' is tight?

5) Could I swim with them? (only question I'm not really serious in asking)

Currently, I have a pair of Arapaimas barely 6" long each but I'm planning long term and have acquired more land across the river in case I need to build a bigger pond. I'll show pics of the new land which is currently being cleared and leveled.

I hope to get some feedback from the more experienced Arapaima owners as I think I've proven that I'm serious about wanting to provide the best for the Arapaimas to the extent of buying more land at two of my houses purely to build proper ponds for them. I'll admit that being in Asia land is much cheaper than in US/UK/Europe but where I'm located land is about RM400-500k per acre.

I realize that my initial posting gave the impression that I was trying to do it for cheap which is probably why I haven't had much feedback. I guess that's my fault; English isn't my first language. Anyways, these are a few of the other options I have on hand for the Arapaimas in the event my first choice isn't suitable.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=374121

Anyways, any advice from those who have 'been there done that' is very much appreciated. Zoodiver? Anyone?
 
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