Arowana fish tank size does matter
When it comes to housing an Arowana, bigger is certainly better. Starting out small with a juvenile fish may work out in the short term, but Arowanas grow rapidly and a large fish tank will quickly be necessary. Purchasing one large aquarium tank at the outset can save considerable costs in upgrades. If you must purchase housing at a staggered pace, keep your ultimate goals in mind. Read the following paragraphs for more information on Arowana fish tank size.
Ideal Fish Tank Capacity
Baby Arowanas thrive when housed in a more confined setting. If you already own a larger fish tank, use a divider to create a smaller space. You can gradually increase the volume of the tank as your young Arowana grows. For Arowanas under 6 inches, a 20 gallon tank will suffice. The basic requirements of the permanent setup should be in place for the baby’s tank, too. This will ensure the safety of the fish and allow it to thrive and develop optimally.
Fish tanks come in many different sizes, shapes and price ranges. Narrow down your choices by considering the needs of your arowana. Rectangular tanks are ideal for Arowanas since they are able to swim their lengths. A full grown Arowana should be housed in a 150 gallon or larger glass tank. A 125 gallon tank can suffice, but a larger fish tank is highly recommended. The cost of a 150 gallon or larger tank is usually not much more than a 125 gallon. For housing an Arowana, buy the biggest setup you have room for and can reasonably afford.
Arowana Tanks, Hoods and Stands
Fish tank frames, hoods and stands are generally constructed of sturdy wood or acrylic.
Decide on your preference ahead of time based on the type of stand you will be using. It is a simple matter to match tank frames to stands if you know what to look for ahead of time. If you intend to use a black iron stand, consider an acrylic black tank frame. Similarly, an oak colored tank frame will match an oak stand. Matching hoods are also available once you’ve decided on a color scheme.
Generally speaking, the dimensions of rectangular tanks, hoods and stands are standard regardless of brand or model. Still, it may be best to purchase all three components together to avoid style or fit mismatches.
A sturdy glass canopy and a durable hood are essential for housing an arowana. The canopy and hood support heavy tank lighting and reduce water evaporation. The canopy also keeps leaping arowanas safely in the tank and reduces the risk of jumping injuries. Plastic canopies should be avoided as they are simply not durable enough. Even a heavy glass canopy may need reinforcement to contain an arowana.
The stand you select should be specially designed to support the massive weight of a large fish tank. Water weighs over 8 lbs. per gallon, so strength is extremely important. Both wood and iron are durable stand options, but iron may rust over time.
Avoid a Costly Compromise
Second-hand setups may seem like a bargain, but in general you will do well to avoid them. Leaks can be unbelievably destructive and detrimental to an Arowana. Even a slow, “minor” leak can ruin the stand supporting the fish tank, destroy equipment housed below it, and permanently damage carpeting and floors. Repairing a leak often requires the complete breakdown of the fish tank and is never a guaranteed solution. Consider the risk of harm to your arowana in the event of a leak unacceptable.
Article by Steven Yeoh
Article source : http://www.arowana-care.com/choosing-the-arowana-fish-tank.html
Steven is the author of THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO Arowana Fish Care and Breeding.
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