Where Should Arowana Fish Be Kept At Home – The Ultimate Guide

Written ByHoward Parker

Hey there, fellow aquarist! Have you ever gazed upon the majestic Arowana, often called the “Water Dragon,” and dreamed of having one grace your home aquarium? You’re not alone! These stunning, ancient fish are truly captivating, and it’s completely natural to wonder about the best way to care for such a magnificent creature. The good news is, with the right knowledge and preparation, providing an ideal home for an Arowana is entirely achievable.

If you’re asking yourself, “where should arowana fish be kept at home to truly thrive?”, you’ve come to the perfect place. Many enthusiasts, from beginners to seasoned hobbyists, can feel a bit overwhelmed by the sheer size and reputation of these fish. Don’t worry—while they require specific conditions, setting up their perfect habitat is a rewarding journey, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

At Aquifarm, we believe every fish deserves a fantastic home, and every aquarist deserves clear, actionable advice. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about preparing the ideal environment for your Arowana. We’ll cover tank size, filtration, water parameters, decor, and even some common challenges, offering you expert where should arowana fish be kept at home tips so you can confidently create a thriving aquatic sanctuary. Let’s unlock the secrets to a happy, healthy Arowana together!

Understanding the Arowana’s Needs: Why Location Matters

Before we even think about tank dimensions, it’s crucial to understand the Arowana itself. These aren’t your average community fish. They’re apex predators with unique behaviors and impressive growth rates. Knowing their natural instincts and physical requirements is the first step in deciding where should arowana fish be kept at home effectively.

Size and Growth: A Lifetime Commitment

One of the biggest factors to consider is an Arowana’s potential size. Depending on the species (Silver, Asian, Jardini, etc.), they can grow anywhere from 2 to 3 feet long, sometimes even larger! This isn’t a fish that will stay small for long. You need to commit to providing a permanent, spacious home from day one.

  • Silver Arowana: Can reach 3 feet (90 cm) or more.
  • Asian Arowana: Typically 2-3 feet (60-90 cm).
  • Jardini Arowana: Around 2 feet (60 cm).

Their rapid growth means they outgrow smaller tanks quickly. Starting with an appropriately sized tank is not just a recommendation; it’s a necessity for their health and well-being. This is a fundamental aspect of any where should arowana fish be kept at home guide.

Behavior and Temperament: The “Water Dragon” Persona

Arowanas are generally solitary and can be territorial, especially as they mature. They are active swimmers and hunters, preferring the upper levels of the water column. Their powerful jumps are legendary, a behavior you’ll need to account for in your setup.

While often peaceful towards fish too large to be considered prey, they can be aggressive towards smaller tank mates or other Arowanas. Understanding this temperament helps you decide on ideal tank mates and ensures a peaceful environment.

The Heart of the Home: Tank Selection for Your Arowana

Choosing the right aquarium is arguably the most critical decision when figuring out how to where should arowana fish be kept at home. This isn’t just about volume; it’s about length, width, and robust construction. Think of it as building a mansion, not a studio apartment, for your magnificent fish.

Minimum Tank Size: Go Big or Go Home!

For a single adult Arowana, we’re talking serious gallonage. Forget anything under 125 gallons. Even that is often considered a bare minimum for smaller species. For a Silver Arowana, a 250-300 gallon tank is more appropriate, with many experienced keepers recommending even larger, custom-built aquariums.

  • Absolute Minimum (for smaller species): 125 gallons (approx. 72″ L x 18″ W x 24″ H).
  • Recommended (for most Arowanas): 180-250 gallons (approx. 72″ L x 24″ W x 24-30″ H).
  • Ideal (for large species like Silver Arowana): 300+ gallons (approx. 96″ L x 24-30″ W x 30″ H).

Focus on length and width over height. Arowanas need swimming room to turn comfortably and patrol their territory. A longer, wider tank provides this much-needed space.

Tank Material and Construction: Safety First

Given the size and weight of these tanks (water alone weighs over 8 lbs per gallon!), the construction is paramount. Most large aquariums are made of glass or acrylic.

  • Glass Tanks:
    • Pros: More scratch-resistant, less prone to bowing, often more affordable for standard sizes.
    • Cons: Very heavy, less impact-resistant, limited to standard sizes for the largest tanks.
  • Acrylic Tanks:
    • Pros: Much lighter, clearer (less distortion), stronger (more impact-resistant), can be custom-built into massive sizes and unique shapes.
    • Cons: Scratches easily, more expensive.

Regardless of material, ensure the tank is built by a reputable manufacturer and placed on an extremely sturdy, level stand designed to support the immense weight. This is a critical safety measure when considering where should arowana fish be kept at home.

Tank Placement Considerations: Beyond Aesthetics

Where you place your enormous Arowana tank is more than just an interior design choice. It impacts the fish’s stress levels and your ability to maintain it.

  • Structural Support: Ensure your floor can handle the weight. A 250-gallon tank with water, substrate, and equipment can weigh well over 2,000 lbs! Consult a structural engineer if unsure.
  • Traffic Flow: Avoid high-traffic areas where sudden movements or loud noises could startle the Arowana.
  • Direct Sunlight: Keep the tank out of direct sunlight to prevent excessive algae growth and temperature fluctuations.
  • Power Access: You’ll need multiple outlets for filters, heaters, lights, and air pumps.
  • Water Access: Proximity to a water source and drain will make water changes significantly easier, which is a huge part of where should arowana fish be kept at home best practices.

Essential Equipment: Creating the Perfect Arowana Habitat

Once you have your tank, the next step is outfitting it with the necessary life support systems. These aren’t just accessories; they are vital for your Arowana’s health and the overall stability of its environment.

Filtration Systems: Keeping it Pristine

Arowanas are messy eaters and produce a significant bio-load. Therefore, robust filtration is non-negotiable. You’ll likely need a combination of mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration, often provided by multiple filters or a comprehensive sump system.

  • Canister Filters: Excellent for mechanical and chemical filtration, with good biological capacity. Consider two large canisters for redundancy and increased filtration.
  • Sump Filtration: Often considered the gold standard for large tanks. A sump provides immense biological filtration, allows for easy heater placement, and provides a stable water volume. This is highly recommended for Arowana tanks.
  • Sponge Filters/Powerheads: Can be used for supplemental biological filtration and to increase water movement.

Aim for a filtration turnover rate of at least 5-10 times the tank volume per hour. Over-filtration is a good thing for Arowanas.

Heating and Temperature Control: A Tropical Paradise

Arowanas are tropical fish and require stable, warm water temperatures. The ideal range is typically 75-82°F (24-28°C).

  • Multiple Heaters: For large tanks, use two or more appropriately sized heaters. This ensures even heating and provides a backup in case one fails.
  • Heater Guards: Protect your Arowana from accidental burns and prevent them from damaging the heater.
  • Accurate Thermometer: Always have a reliable thermometer to monitor the water temperature.

Stable temperatures are key to preventing stress and disease. This is a crucial element of any where should arowana fish be kept at home care guide.

Lighting: Setting the Mood

While Arowanas don’t have specific lighting requirements beyond what’s needed for viewing, appropriate lighting can enhance their colors and mimic natural conditions. A standard LED or fluorescent fixture designed for aquariums will suffice.

  • Duration: Maintain a consistent light cycle of 8-12 hours per day.
  • Intensity: Moderate lighting is usually best. Excessive brightness can sometimes stress the fish.
  • Lid Compatibility: Ensure your light fixture is compatible with your tank’s lid, which brings us to our next crucial point…

Substrate and Decor: Functionality and Beauty

When selecting substrate and decor, always prioritize safety and functionality for your Arowana.

Substrate

  • Bare Bottom: Many Arowana keepers prefer a bare bottom tank. It’s incredibly easy to clean, which is a huge benefit with a large, messy fish.
  • Fine Sand: If you prefer substrate, fine sand is a good choice. It’s soft on their barbels and easy to siphon clean. Avoid gravel, as it can trap detritus and be sharp.

Decor

Keep decor minimal and ensure everything is smooth, without sharp edges that could injure your Arowana. Remember, they are powerful and can easily dislodge items.

  • Driftwood: Large, smooth pieces of driftwood can add natural beauty and provide visual barriers. Ensure they are thoroughly soaked and weighted to prevent floating.
  • Large, Smooth Rocks: If using rocks, choose smooth, rounded river stones.
  • Artificial Plants: Opt for high-quality silk or plastic plants that are heavy-based and won’t scratch your fish. Live plants are often difficult to maintain with Arowanas due to their size and digging.

Ensure all decor is securely placed and cannot topple over, which could harm your Arowana or crack the tank. This is one of the most important where should arowana fish be kept at home tips.

Water Chemistry & Maintenance: The Unsung Heroes of Arowana Care

Excellent water quality is the cornerstone of Arowana health. These fish are sensitive to fluctuations and poor conditions. Regular maintenance is not just a chore; it’s a vital part of keeping your Arowana healthy and vibrant.

Ideal Water Parameters: The Numbers Game

Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial. Invest in a reliable liquid test kit (strips are often inaccurate) to regularly monitor your water.

  • pH: 6.5-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). Consistency is more important than hitting an exact number.
  • Ammonia: 0 ppm (parts per million). Highly toxic.
  • Nitrite: 0 ppm. Also highly toxic.
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm. Keep as low as possible through regular water changes.
  • GH (General Hardness): 5-15 dGH.
  • KH (Carbonate Hardness): 3-8 dKH.

Sudden swings in any of these parameters can cause severe stress and health issues. Consistent monitoring and corrective action are key to where should arowana fish be kept at home best practices.

Water Changes: The Golden Rule

Regular, significant water changes are the single most effective way to maintain pristine water quality, especially with a large fish. We recommend:

  • Frequency: At least 25-30% weekly. Some larger setups might benefit from 50% bi-weekly.
  • Temperature Matching: Always ensure the new water is temperature-matched to the tank water to prevent shock.
  • Dechlorination: Use a high-quality water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramines from tap water.
  • Gravel Vacuuming: Even with a bare bottom, siphon any accumulated detritus during water changes. If you have sand, gently vacuum the top layer.

This consistent maintenance routine is the most vital aspect of any where should arowana fish be kept at home care guide.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Practices

As responsible aquarists, we should also consider the environmental impact of our hobby. For Arowanas, this includes:

  • Ethical Sourcing: Always purchase Arowanas from reputable breeders or suppliers who ensure their fish are legally and sustainably sourced. Avoid wild-caught fish where possible, especially for endangered species like some Asian Arowanas.
  • Water Conservation: While water changes are essential, consider using the old aquarium water for gardening. It’s rich in nutrients!
  • Energy Efficiency: Opt for energy-efficient pumps, filters, and LED lighting to reduce your carbon footprint.

Adopting these eco-friendly where should arowana fish be kept at home practices benefits both your fish and the planet.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

Even with the best intentions and setup, you might encounter some common Arowana-specific challenges. Being prepared is half the battle!

“Droopy Eye” and Other Ailments

One of the most talked-about Arowana conditions is “Droopy Eye Syndrome” (DES), where one or both eyes begin to droop downwards. While the exact cause is debated, it’s often linked to:

  • Diet: Feeding too many floating foods can encourage the fish to look down, potentially contributing to DES.
  • Tank Placement: If the Arowana is constantly looking down at a reflective surface (like a black tank bottom or shiny substrate), it might develop DES.
  • Genetics: Some believe there’s a genetic predisposition.

To prevent it, offer a varied diet including sinking foods, ensure your tank bottom isn’t highly reflective, and consider a deep tank with plenty of swimming room. Other common problems with where should arowana fish be kept at home include fin rot (due to poor water quality) and parasites, which can be mitigated with excellent husbandry.

Aggression and Tank Mates

Arowanas are best kept alone. If you absolutely must have tank mates, choose carefully:

  • Size: Tank mates must be too large to be eaten.
  • Temperament: Peaceful, robust fish that occupy different levels of the tank (e.g., large catfishes, Stingrays, Datnoids, Pacu).
  • Research: Thoroughly research compatibility for your specific Arowana species.

Even with compatible tank mates, monitor closely for signs of aggression, especially as the Arowana matures.

Jumping: The Arowana’s Aerial Art

Arowanas are incredible jumpers, a natural instinct for catching prey in the wild. This means a secure, heavy-duty lid is absolutely essential. A jump-proof lid is not just a suggestion; it’s a critical safety feature.

  • Heavy Glass or Acrylic: Use thick, heavy lids that fit snugly.
  • No Gaps: Seal any gaps around filters, heaters, or feeding holes.
  • Weight It Down: Consider placing weights on the lid for extra security.

Failure to provide a secure lid is one of the most common and heartbreaking common problems with where should arowana fish be kept at home.

Benefits of a Well-Kept Arowana Habitat

Despite the challenges and significant investment, the rewards of keeping an Arowana are immense. There are many benefits of where should arowana fish be kept at home correctly.

A Stunning Centerpiece

An Arowana aquarium is more than just a tank; it’s a living work of art. Their iridescent scales, graceful movements, and prehistoric appearance make them an undeniable focal point in any room. They command attention and spark conversation, offering a truly unique aesthetic.

A Rewarding Hobby

Successfully maintaining a large, complex aquarium with a magnificent Arowana is incredibly satisfying. It fosters a deep connection to nature, teaches patience, and provides a continuous learning experience. Watching your Arowana thrive, grow, and exhibit its natural behaviors is a constant source of joy and pride.

Contributing to Conservation (for ethically sourced fish)

By supporting reputable breeders of Arowanas, especially for Asian Arowana species which are CITES-listed, you contribute to responsible aquaculture and can indirectly help reduce pressure on wild populations. This aligns perfectly with the principles of sustainable where should arowana fish be kept at home practices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Arowana Fish

Can I keep an Arowana in a 75-gallon tank?

No, a 75-gallon tank is far too small for any Arowana species, even as a juvenile. Arowanas grow very quickly and will become severely stunted and stressed in such a small environment. For even the smallest adult Arowana, a minimum of 125-180 gallons is required, with 250-300+ gallons being ideal for larger species.

What kind of filter is best for an Arowana?

Due to their large bioload, Arowanas require robust filtration. A combination of filters is often best. A large sump system is highly recommended for its superior biological filtration and water volume. Alternatively, two powerful canister filters can provide excellent mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration. Always aim for over-filtration.

Are Arowanas aggressive?

Arowanas can be territorial and predatory. They are generally peaceful towards fish too large to be considered prey, but will readily eat smaller tank mates. They can also be aggressive towards other Arowanas or similar-looking fish. It’s often best to keep them as solitary specimens.

How often should I feed my Arowana?

Juvenile Arowanas should be fed 1-2 times daily, while adults can be fed every other day or 3-4 times a week. Offer a varied diet of high-quality pellets, frozen foods (like shrimp, silversides), and occasional live foods (like crickets or earthworms). Avoid feeder fish due to disease risk.

What is “droopy eye” and how can I prevent it?

“Droopy Eye Syndrome” (DES) is a condition where an Arowana’s eye droops downwards. While causes are debated, it’s often linked to diet (too many floating foods encouraging downward gaze), tank setup (reflective bottom surfaces), or genetics. To help prevent it, offer a varied diet including sinking foods, ensure your tank bottom is non-reflective, and provide ample swimming space.

Conclusion: Your Arowana Adventure Awaits!

Bringing an Arowana into your home is an incredible journey, one that demands dedication, research, and a commitment to providing the best possible environment. By understanding the critical factors of where should arowana fish be kept at home – from massive tank sizes and powerful filtration to stable water parameters and secure lids – you’re setting yourself up for success.

Remember, your Arowana isn’t just a pet; it’s a magnificent, living jewel that relies entirely on you for its well-being. Embrace the process, enjoy the learning, and take pride in creating a stunning, thriving habitat. With the practical advice and expert insights from this where should arowana fish be kept at home guide, you’re now equipped to embark on this rewarding adventure with confidence. Go forth, build that dream aquarium, and enjoy the majestic presence of your very own Water Dragon!

Howard Parker
Latest posts by Howard Parker (see all)