This article based on the video "IMPORTANT! BEGINNER MISTAKES WHEN KEEPING AROWANA FISH!!!" from the 88 Pet Gallery YouTube channel, uploaded on November 13, 2023.
Keeping Arowana fish can be a rewarding yet challenging hobby, especially for beginners. The 88 Pet Gallery channel recently shared a detailed video highlighting common mistakes that new Arowana owners often make. Understanding these errors can help you provide the best care for your fish, ensuring healthy growth and vibrant colors. Here’s a comprehensive summary of the key points from the video.
One of the most frequent mistakes beginners make is overfeeding their Arowana fish in an attempt to make them grow faster. While it might seem logical to feed more for quicker growth, this approach can cause serious problems. Overfeeding leads to unbalanced body growth where the fish’s body becomes too bulky, but the fins and tail remain small. This can result in an obese fish with shortened fins and even jaw deformities known as prognathism. Instead, it’s important to feed your Arowana according to its natural appetite and growth phases. Remember, Arowanas are ancient fish species with slow growth rates and can live up to 40 years, so patience is key.
Another common error is feeding the same type of food continuously without considering the fish’s age and nutritional needs. Arowanas require different diets at various life stages. For baby Arowanas, feeding small snakehead fish is beneficial because it supports fin and tail development due to its high albumin content, while young goldfish help with overall body growth. As the fish matures into its teenage phase, introducing shrimp into the diet is crucial. Shrimp contains beta-carotene, which enhances the metallic shine and vibrant colors on the fish’s scales. Providing a varied diet tailored to the fish’s growth stage promotes optimal health and appearance.
Many beginners mistakenly add vitamins or pH adjusters to the aquarium water even when the fish and water conditions are already good. This is unnecessary and can sometimes do more harm than good. The essentials for Arowana care are simple: use dechlorinator if you are using tap water (PAM water) and add beneficial bacteria starters to support the biological filter. Overusing supplements or conditioners can disrupt the water balance and stress the fish.
Changing water improperly is another critical mistake. Pouring tap water directly into the aquarium, especially in large amounts (around 70%), can be deadly due to the presence of chlorine or chloramine, which are toxic to fish. The recommended practice is to let the water sit for at least 24 hours with aeration to allow harmful chemicals to dissipate before adding it to the tank. Also, routine water changes should be moderate, around 30%, to maintain water quality without shocking the fish.
The size and setup of the aquarium are vital for the well-being of your Arowana. Small tanks, such as those only 60 cm long, are not suitable for juvenile Arowanas. A minimum length of 120 cm is recommended to prevent stress and allow proper growth. Filtration should match your maintenance habits. If you prefer less frequent water changes, a large sump filter with complete biological media is ideal. For those who change water regularly, a simpler filter system can suffice. The pump’s flow rate should be balanced—ideally circulating the tank’s volume 4 to 5 times per hour. Too strong a flow can hinder beneficial bacteria from breaking down harmful ammonia effectively.
Arowanas are natural jumpers, and many deaths occur because owners forget to secure the tank properly. Always ensure your aquarium has a sturdy, secure lid that can withstand the fish’s powerful jumps. Neglecting this safety measure can lead to fatal accidents.
Applying tanning lights or special color-enhancing lamps too early, especially when the fish is smaller than 25 cm, can cause stress and damage. Instead of enhancing color, premature tanning can cause the fish to become stressed, resulting in dull colors or even burned skin. It may also trigger harmful behaviors like tail biting. Wait until your Arowana is mature enough before introducing any color-enhancing treatment.
Caring for Arowana fish requires patience, knowledge, and attention to detail. Avoiding these common beginner mistakes will help your fish grow healthy, vibrant, and strong. Remember to feed appropriately, provide a varied diet, maintain proper water conditions, use suitable aquarium equipment, and ensure safety. With the right care, your Arowana can thrive and become a stunning centerpiece in your aquarium for many years.
Comments
Post a Comment