New Silver Arowana Care

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Wiggles92

Dovii
MFK Member
Apr 25, 2009
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Well, I finally have joined the arowana owners club, albeit a bit earlier than I had planned. Today I was at the local LFS and noticed that they had a tiny silver arowana (2"). This was the first one that I've ever found in an LFS, and it was feeding on pellets, so I figured I may as well get it before some kid tries to keep it in a 10 gallon aquarium for a long time.

Now here is my question: What size of aquarium should I keep it in at this size? I have two 10 gallons, one 20 gallon long, one 29 gallon, and one 55 gallon with me at college, so those are my options for now. The two 10 gallon aquariums are empty, the 20 gallon long and 29 gallon each house a west African lungfish, and the 55 gallon houses a South American lungfish, a tiger shovelnose catfish, and a redtail catfish. I know that it's going to become quite the monster fish within a few months, so please no flaming me; I'm already making plans to build a large aquarium for it ASAP.
 
look at the sticky i made. the 55gal is the best option for a grow out. for now. 4 months or less is what you got for time till it out grows your 55gal. the cats need to be moved first. possibly the lungs depending on size and agresstion.
 
The lungs will more than likely eat your aro..The catfish will eat it without a doubt... Given the tanks you have and the stock, the 10g will be ok for a short time until you figure out what to do with the cats + lungs. Be sure you have a good lid -- aros are jumpers!!!!!!


---Keep us posted,
--Chris
 
I've read the various stickies, but I didn't remember seeing anything about growing them out which is why I asked about the aquarium size for now.

The two catfish (TSN [10"] and RTC [6"]) will be gone next week; the SAL (24") isn't going any where since I just got him earlier this month and have been looking for one for a long time. The two WALs (14" and 12") aren't going any where either, but I didn't think that they would be suitable tankmates for the arowana anyway which is why I would only partition off part of their aquariums for temporary housing if need be.

So now that I've given more on my other current fish, should I partition off part of the 55 gallon (or another aquarium) for now or keep it in a 10 gallon?
 
My recommendation for baby arowana. Should be without tankmates until the 5-6" range and then only select few tank mates until the 11-12" range. A 55g tank minimum, keep water line lowered about 6" from the top. This Still keeps about 40-45g of water in the tank. The tank size has as much to do with water quality and stability as it does freedom to swim. You'll need to be looking for a larger tank then 55g within a few months. The 55g will only last until the aro is about 12", definitely not larger then 12".

I have raised 9 babies or silvers from this size. Lost a few sold a couple and still have two that are now 30" and 24". Becarefull who you take advice from, some here will offer advise without ever seeing a baby arowana, let alone successfully raising one.
 
Bderick67;4818946; said:
My recommendation for baby arowana. Should be without tankmates until the 5-6" range and then only select few tank mates until the 11-12" range. A 55g tank minimum, keep water line lowered about 6" from the top. This Still keeps about 40-45g of water in the tank. The tank size has as much to do with water quality and stability as it does freedom to swim. You'll need to be looking for a larger tank then 55g within a few months. The 55g will only last until the aro is about 12", definitely not larger then 12".

I have raised 9 babies or silvers from this size. Lost a few sold a couple and still have two that are now 30" and 24". Becarefull who you take advice from, some here will offer advise without ever seeing a baby arowana, let alone successfully raising one.
Click to expand...
x2, Only issue is, he still has that lung in the 55 and he said it wont be going anywhere.
 
Yes, the SAL isn't going any where, but I am fine with lowering the water level unless that will cause my filters to not work. It doesn't bother the two catfish, and it didn't bother the 4" SA cichlid that used to be in there with them (got rid of it because it was stressed by the catfish and vice versa on account of the three being afraid of each other).

Might it be possible for me to introduce the arowana to the 55 gallon once it gets to be 4" or larger because the SAL is so mild mannered? I would be sure to watch closely for any signs of aggression.
 
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