@OP: I agree with Kaya's post (in principle). (To add: I think all "Vastu" and Feng Shui is superstitious BS and should not be part of any serious discussion about keeping fish)
The peddlers of the religious BS ("Vastu"/Feng Shui) first lure newbies into buying monster fish in tiny tank. And when the fish inevitably dies, the belief is that "the dead aro took your bad luck away from you"... which basically terrifies the newbie into buying another aro..
As an Indian, imo, this nonsense followed by seemingly educated people including college students is disappointing.
About the Aro: This fish is very beautiful and graceful. It is also going to out-grow the tank very soon (2-3 months).
The fish won't show signs of distress which your roommate can notice and take corrective action.. The aro will just become increasing uneasy and die "inexplicable".
Please recommend your roommate to get one of the several thousands of variety of fish which can live happily in a 2.5 ft tank.
My favorite are German Blue Rams.
The Rams in a group of 5 or 6 will give almost all of the fun and exciting behavior you expect from a Flowerhorn and most New World cichlids.
There are other more expensive options like Tanganyikan cichlids (shell-dwellers) and also imported betta.
Good luck,
Sid
or else you'll soon have one of these -> 
