Tank suitable for an Arowana?

[fishhead0103666]

If you look across more guides for silver arowanas you'll see 24 inches, 30 inches is more like training wheels on your bike if you ask me.
The tank you're getting will be good for an arowana if you ask me.

 

[fishhead0103666]

If you look across more guides for silver arowanas you'll see 24 inches, 30 inches is more like training wheels on your bike if you ask me.
The tank you're getting will be good for an arowana if you ask me.

 

[Gourami Swami]

I do not personally believe 24" is wide enough tank for a potentially 36+" long fish. Even if it can turn around because it is flexible, the width of the tank is not even as large as the fish itself! that should be obvious no to me. I'm sure some will disagree with me, and say "nobody can keep an arowana then!"
Well yeah, I think that 98% of the arowanas kept in aquariums are in bad situations. They really should not be available in the hobby in the numbers that they are; should be reserved for people with ponds or true monster tanks.

If people come and ask advice for an arowana they already have, because they made the mistake of buying one; then I would advise to give the fish the best situation it can have (30" wide tank in most cases)
But if someone has not yet made that mistake, and wants to get a silver aro for an 18, 24, even 30" tank- I think it is a mistake, and there are plenty of fish which would be better suited.
If you are dead set on an arowana, a jardini would be a better choice than a silver

 

[fishhead0103666]

I'll admit that I haven't kept an arowana before so what I say I base off of what I've read about silver arowanas and people who have kept them before.

It would be hard finding tank mates for the jardini wouldn't you agree?

 

[taksan]

30” ...is about the minimum width

 

[Gourami Swami]

I'll admit that I haven't kept an arowana before so what I say I base off of what I've read about silver arowanas and people who have kept them before.

It would be hard finding tank mates for the jardini wouldn't you agree?

I have not kept one either for the reason above; never have had a large enough tank. I understand people wanting to get one, I think they are awesome as well. But long term I think the tank for a silver should be at least as wide as the fish, which would hypothetically be 36", though it would take a long time. I think they are one species better suited to large ponds, or mega tanks at zoos, and the rare hobbyist with a giant tank (which there actually are a few of on this board of course).
And yup I agree that tankmates would be difficult for a jardini. They are known for snapping and killing all their tankmates. Just recommended one because the size of the tank would be more suitable than for a silver
I tthink the 84x18x24 would make a very good cichlid tank

 

[Chefken]

Follow up question. I am purchasing another aquarium next week. Its 84x25x28 will that be big enough? I see that members are bouncing back and forth between 24" & 30" being the minimum for Arowanas.

full grown silver arrowana reach 36-45"......tank should be at least a few inches wider than the fishes length.

 

[Haasume]

Gourami Swami I am not dead set on an Arowana, I would like one of course but that is why I posted this question. I have no desire to keep a fish that I cant make comfortable. There are other fish I will try instead.

 

[Bertie07]

I would say that a 25” width may be big enough for a jardini but it also may be to small, some jardinis get to 24” and that tank is to small but some only get to 19” and that tank would be fine. If you haven’t already purchased the aquarium I would look at getting a 7 x 3 x 2’ tank which could house a jardini for life or even a African arowana

 

[Gpdriftwood]

Neither tank dimensions are suitable for a silver. A jardini would be ok in either. (Not ideal) bigger would be better. I had 1 jardini about 16" years ago, and currently have one about 20". Just don't plan on having tankmates. Jardini are the biggest jerks that I have ever owned. They will not get along w anything from my experience. Mine is in a 140gal lowboy by himself. (30" wide)