Picking up my first aro...

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
dirtyblacksocks;2217909; said:
Been into cichlids for a long long time now - figured I'd see what all the hype is about with the asian fishies. Getting a black aro off Rich in about an hour - have a 120 gallon set up for him, temp is around 80 degree's, Fluval FX5 for filtration, aerated water with a 1200 GPH powerhead pushing water.

Just wondering if there's any strong advice out there from folks who have been keeping these guys for a while - debating on adding sting ray's and discus as tank mates in the future. What's their temperature tolerance?
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black arro is not naturally an Asian fish, do you mean it cam from an Asian fish farm?
 
I suppose I meant that arowana have a lot do with asian culture in that they're believed to bring good luck and are depicted in a lot of their artworks? I know that black aro's come from South America...
 
Threw a couple nymph roaches in the tank and he pretty much ignored them - tried two meal worms with the same results. Guess he's not very comfortable yet...anyone have feeding tips for these guys?

How sensitive are they to water changes? Can you perform a good 40% change a week without them crapping out?
 
I've done 40% water changes, but it's scary as hell if they get uncomfortable. NEVER underestimate their jumping ability and power. If you can install a drip system, go for it. My aros have all done better with a constant supply of clean water rather than water changes (that stressed them no matter what).

With that said, be patient on feeding. It took my black aro 3 weeks to eat regularly and my silver has gone on hunger strikes lasting weeks.
 
Drip system is out of the question, thanks for the info on feeding though. I'm used to my CA's that just like to gobble stuff up 'til they look like balloons with eyes :)
 
dirtyblacksocks;2219257; said:
Drip system is out of the question, thanks for the info on feeding though. I'm used to my CA's that just like to gobble stuff up 'til they look like balloons with eyes :)
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Once the aro gets comfy it'll be scary to feed it. My best suggestion is to test the water regularly and when it reaches 40ppm nitrate, change enough to get you down to 15 or so. Huge fluctuations seems to stress them sometimes. I've noticed it more in blacks than silvers. Blacks seem a bit more timid and shy IMO.
 
Change 50% water weekly or more for all my aros(2 silvers, 1 black) they don't seem to care whatsoever.
 
Damn- I was wondering why you cleared out your redhooks & CLs! Congrats, man. Can't wait to see them.
 
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