Regardless of whether your Arowana tank is a newer set-up or a well-established tank, its condition prior to your fish’s arrival must be optimal. There are several things you can do to make your Arowana as comfortable as possible in its new surroundings. Each step plays an integral part in minimizing stress and protecting the Arowana from discomfort and the onset of disease.

1. Match pH and temperature as closely as possible to the tank of origin. Particular care should be given to the stability of the pH level. Ideally, pH should be stable for a minimum of three weeks prior to the Arowana’s arrival. Temperature is much easier to control, but is also important to monitor.

2. Ensure water quality is at peak level. A visual inspection is not sufficient for judging your water quality, nor is the condition of tank mates! Ideal ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels should be reported during testing for several weeks prior to your Arowana’s introduction. Test water again just prior to the acclimatization process, as well. Never add medication to tank water in conjunction with acclimatization!

3. Check filtration is functioning optimally prior to acclimatization. Any maintenance to filters or media can dramatically affect water quality. Perform necessary tank maintenance and equipment repairs at least 1 week prior to acclimatization.

4. Inspect tank mates if there are other species currently inhabiting the tank. Each should be in peak condition and show no signs of stress or disease. House only bottom-dwelling, benign tank mates during Arowana acclimatization. Consider moving questionable species to a quarantine tank for several days to avoid the risk of injury to the tank mate or the acclimatizing Arowana.
During Transport

Consider how far your Arowana will have to travel when you decide on a source for your purchase. If at all possible, purchases should be made close to home to minimize transport time. Make every effort to transport your Arowana yourself so you can personally monitor its condition throughout travel. If the Arowana seller will be packing the fish for delivery, discuss what measures will be taken to guarantee safe arrival.

Arowanas should not be fed for at least one day prior to travel. An Arowana should be packed in its own tank water in a double-ply, sturdy plastic bag. Air should fill at least two thirds of the sealed bag to allow for adequate aeration of the Arowana’s temporary environment.

Styrofoam cartons are an ideal medium for transporting bagged Arowana. Styrofoam serves as insulation against rapidly fluctuating temperatures. Keep Styrofoam boxes tightly closed to further stabilize temperature.
Acclimatizing Your Arowana

Take the time to help your Arowana adjust to its new environment by following proper acclimatization procedures. Acclimatization generally takes approximately one hour.
I
1. Turn off Aquarium lighting
2. Allow plastic bag containing fish to float in the tank approximately 20 minutes
3. Slowly begin adding a small amount of tank water to the bag at five minute intervals
4. Continue adding tank water until the bag is completely full
5. Empty 50% of the bag’s water, and repeat steps 3 – 4.
6. When bag is full for the second time, slowly release the fish into the tank

Monitor your Arowana closely during the first 48 hours following release. Keep lighting off to minimize stress during this important adjustment period, and pay close attention to interactions with any tank mates. Avoid feeding newly acclimatized fish for at least 24 hours.
Should Difficulties Arise

Have a plan in place for immediate action in the event of trouble during acclimatization. When it comes to injury or illness, it pays to be prepared to correct problems swiftly and effectively. Even a few hours delay in administering treatments or a slightly improper medication dosage can spell disaster for a stressed Arowana.

A fully cycled quarantine tank should be on hand to house injured or ill fish. An Arowana first aid kit is also a smart investment. Should the aquarium shop be closed or out of stock, you’ll always be prepared. Have a variety of water conditioning treatments and medications on hand and know how to use them.

For a new and inexperienced arowana hobbyist, green awoana fish is the ideal type to start with purely due to it being much cheaper than other and if you make any mistake and the fish dies, its not going to be a huge lost. Also, they breeding is much easier compared to other Asian varieties.

Green arowana is listed as an endangered or threatened species in the IUCN Red List, a widely recognized and authoritative system listing species with a risk of extinction.

You can read our article on Asian Arowana Fish to get more information about this fish such as physical features, food and water conditions.

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.
Click here to find out more!

Silver arowana fish is for those who want to beautify their aquarium without spending too much. Some people give them the names “monkey fish” or “river monkey” due to their jumping nature. These fish are notorious for committing suicide by jumping out into the dry. That’s why it is mandatory for the aquarium to be covered. Their shiny silver color is what distinguishes them from other arowana fish.

Silver arowana are found most abundantly in the Amazon basin, and also in Rapununi and Oaypock rivers in South America and Guyana too.

Silver arowana fish is a carnivorous being. Silver arowana feeding mostly comprises of meaty items such as shrimps, beef heart, insects, smaller fish and frogs. Some people recommend not to feed them insects from a health care perspective. Some suggest artificially processed food (floating pellet food) which is specially made for this subclass of arowana fish. Feeding crab is also a good option. It is also important to keep the food items diversified. Your fish should get to enjoy different recipes.

For silver arowana fish, you will definitely need a spacious aquarium. Silver arowana grow rather quickly. 15 inches (40 centimeters) is a common size for them. Interestingly, a size of 48 inches (120 centimeters) is not uncommon either. Therefore, your aquarium must have enough space and water holding capacity for silver arowana fish.

Living conditions need to be taken care of well. Silver arowana fish are respond to their habitat in a very obvious manner. Their health is a clear reflection of whether the aquarium is offering them a good habitat or not. You must maintain the pH level between 6 to 7. Ideal temperature range is between 24 Celsius (75 Fahrenheit) to 28 Celsius (82 Fahrenheit). Optimal temperature is 26 Celsius (79 Fahrenheit). To better manage silver arowana care, 25-30 percent water refreshers twice a week are strongly recommended.

Be careful about the fact that silver arowana is an animal of prey. Not all type of other fish can live safely with silver arowana. Larger catfish and few other type of fish can survive with silver arowana. In general, any species which cannot fit into silver arowana’s mouth can be considered safe.

Silver arowana will reflect your aesthetic sense upon your guests. They are attractive due to their shiny color and will make your aquarium lively.

Red arowana fish is one of the three kinds of Asian arowana. The other two are gold and green. Red arowana look like a flame floating in water. They are particularly popular amongst Chinese because red is considered a lucky color in China. Chinese people call it the “dragon fish”, relating it to the “China Dragon”. People also prefer to get themselves red arowana simply because they are eye-catching.

Interestingly enough, red arowana is a type of arowana fish with a degree of variety. You may hear names like red arowana, super red arowana, red-tailed golden, blood red and chili red. These are not mere variations in color shades, but also due to differences in fin sizes, shapes and other physical features. Red arowana have the maximum population in the waters of Indonesia.

Red arowana fish come in different sizes. They can be anything between 12 and 41 inches. When you are out to buy red arowana, the prices will vary accordingly with size, color and class.

Like other types of arowana fish, red arowana fish also happens to be a meat lover. Shrimps, pork, smaller fish and such meaty items are the best diet for such fish. Otherwise, you may occasionally feed your red arowana with artificially prepared edibles, as they are filled with essential nutrients.

Red arowana is a delicate pet, much like all other fish. You must ensure that their living place (the aquarium) is sound enough. Most of all, it should be set up so that the fish remains healthy and matures well. Important factors to consider are the temperature range of the aquarium, pH level of water, diet, water cleaning and space.

Red arowana can be an eye-catching addition to your aquarium. If you are about creating an impression, this fish is the right choice for you.

Different subcategories of Asian arowana are present in different parts of Asian waters. Important regions include Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia.

35 inches (90 centimeters) is a typical length for Asian arowanas. Distinguishing physical features include a long body, big-sized and elongated pectoral fins, relatively larger caudal fin and dorsal and and anal fins on the back of the body. Asian arowana have wide mouth. They also have quite a few teeth inside their mouth. Furthermore, they have rather large scales which are metallic colored in some cases. Their ribs are raised up. Asian arowana have up to six levels of scales on their body.

Much like all other arowana fish, Asian arowana eat meaty food. You may also want to feed them live foods and prepared meaty foods. Mealworms, crickets, shrimps, feeder fish, small frogs and earthworms are all good diet for Asian arowana fish.

You must also be particular about the living place of your Asian arowana fish. Like mentioned earlier, 35 inches is what Asian arowana can easily grow up to. To handle that, a large sized aquarium is required. Make sure that the aquarium is covered, as they have a habit jumping and may jump out of the aquarium. The water must be cleaned and filtered regularly. Try to keep the water mildly acidic. Also, maintain a temperature range of 24-30 Celsius (75-86 Fahrenheit).

Like other arowana fish, Asian arowana can also be tamed. When tamed, they will even grab food items from your fingers without biting the fingers. Now isn’t that a friendly pet to have!

Arowana fish have different subclasses; silver arowana fish, red arowana fish, African arowana fish, Asian or golden arowana fish, northern arowana fish and black arowana are commonly known subclasses. These subclasses are defined on basis of their shape, style of fins, size and origin and habitat etc.

Arowana fish vary in sizes. The smallest ones are between 24 to 30 inches (60-75 centimeters approx). Other healthier ones can reach up to 48 inches (120 centimeters). The size that the fish will become of will depend upon the living conditions and diet. If you want your arowana fish to grow larger and healthier, you should take good care of them.

You should keep the Aquarium in a healthy state. The pH should be kept neutral. Water must be changed frequently. Temperature ranges need special attention. The recommended temperature range is between 75 to 86 Fahrenheit (24-30 Celsius). A good habitat ensures that your arowana fish will be healthy and live longer.

Arowana fish are meat eaters. Typical diet for arowana fish includes brine shrimp, black worms and swine fish. Arowana fish are aggressive and cannot be friends with other fish. They have to kept alone in the aquarium. Recommended feeding frequencies vary for the different arowana fish according to age. Smaller fish should be fed up to three times a day, the medium ones twice. For grown ups, a diet frequency of once a day is good enough, albeit in a larger quantity.

As mentioned already, arowana fish are meat lovers. They are aggressive and you cannot trust them with other fish in the aquarium. They stay closer to the surface of the water and may jump out. A covered aquarium is recommended. If they are provided a healthy habitat, they may stay with you up to 20 years.

Different countries, whose waters have arowana fish in them, have rules and regulations related to engaging in arowana fish trade. Some authoritative bodies even go to the extent of placing microchips in the body of each arowana fish in the fishing farms. This tagging helps them monitor the fish and make sure that fish was not taken from the open waters.

Arowana fish breeding

Arowana fish breeding and farming is a ripe industry. Trade of arowana fish pays well. Arowana breeders and farmers keep the adult arowana in large shoals and huge mud ponds. Time after time, teams of farm labour use a seine net and walk through the ponds, collecting male arowana fish, which brood eggs or fry.

Great deal of care is taken in the handling of arowana fish. The male fish gets to get larger aquariums. Their mouth is praised open to increase the possibility of fry dropping out. Later, the male fish is taken to pond so that it could fatten up.

There are between 10-20 eggs in each clutch dropping out of their mouths. The average diameter of eggs is 15 millimeters. Male arowana brooding eggs and fry can be spotted easily. The reason behind this is that their buccal cavities are quite apart.

It takes about a week or so for the eggs to hatch. Upon hatching, a 1 centimeter long fry shows up on each egg and remains attached to its ground base(i.e., the yolk sac).

Another month passes by, and you find the fish reached a size of 2-3 centimeters. By now, they start using nutrients from within the yolk sac. After another week or two and the yolk sac becomes much smaller. The fish start taking shape and make attempts of swimming. Two months after that, they are released by the male and are free to swim.

To avoid the risk of predators, farmers take away the offspring and rear the fry in separate tanks. From this moment on, it takes the fish about another year before they become of the size which can be sold.