Tank prices and size?

Question

Ok I have emailed MM on this but I'd like to get other sources of input. I'm planning out a new monster tank because I'm going to house Arowana with lower level cichlids. I got my prices for a 150 vs a 180 set up. Difference in pricing is about $200.00 which really means nothing to me overall. I just feel why pay for something if you really don't need it. Dimension on 150 is 72 x 18 x 28 and the 180 is 72 x 24 x 24. Arowana's do get to be big lengths, and this should be sufficient for that, but I'm worried about the turning radius. I can't go for a 210 or higher due to weight stability and transportation issues where I am at so it's a 180 or 150. What are my benefits outside of extra turning radius in a 180 if I elect to go with this vs the 150 which is about $200.00 lower in price for the set up.

Before tax, tank, stand, hooding and lighting are:

150 gallon set up : $754.00
180 gallon set up: $948.00

Best choice?

Follow up on Jorge:

Oh I know sir and ty. I've had five silver Arowana's and one cross bred Asian in the past. I don't think you really need to have a bigger set up then maybe a 210 for long term care unless you're trying to breed them, but you are very correct on the jumping. Out of the five I had in the past, only one ever jumped out on me, and that was when I was trying to net him for transport. This tank will definetly be fully hooded and covered :) Nice look out though.

Additional:

Jorge, I also want to say ty, though I disagree on the space requirements, I've seen 3 footers in 125's and felt that was pushing it, I think the 180 should give more turning radius, but we're talking about 6 inches. If I could I'd love to give them about 250 gallons, but thats just not going to work in the space I have. That link you have, its just awesome and I saved it. Confirmed my point on a previous question where I clearly stated they were jittery fish and this proves it, as well as gives advice how to combat the common drop eye they get. Ty.

Answer 1

One additional benefit always exists to support larger is better, any contamination or chemical pollutions (such as ammonia) will be more dilute and easier to handle.

As some people say.... bigger is better and it applies to aquariums as well :)

MM

Answer 2

The most common Arowana, the silver, gets to about 4 feet on average. They are not home aquarium pets. If you really want one, you need to get a custom built tank.

However, if you are going to do this anyway, I would get the 150. That way, you can put that 200 towards a larger tank later on. Also, they have the same footprint (length x width), and since they spend about 80 to 90% of the time swimming at the top, it wont make much of a difference with them. As for the volume, 30 gallons doesn't make much of a difference when you get tho this volume of water.

Make sure you cover your tank well, they are excellent jumpers. I worked at a store where we had a 3 footer in a 400 gallon tank. At night we would put plywood on top of the tank to keep it covered, and in the morning, it would be moved a bit or even knocked off from the fish jumping into it.

Answer 3

You know I have say that the safest bet would be to go as big as you can. You are right, Arowanas get very large. But, you aren't looking at stunting it's growth with either of those size tanks. And if you are looking and other animals going into the tank. I say you can't really go wrong with the bigger tank if you can afford it. the down side is the portability.