Amazon Tank?

Question

My arowana has a dirty tank im going to clean it 100% and his hospital tank is ready no chlorine i have his water for his new tank set up for 3 weeks no heavy metas etc now my theme i had in his previously was a rock substrate tall rocks to hide behind thats really it now i wanted to make a amazon river theme. to make him feel at home so any ideas like for the best answer i need plants that work well the type of substrate pref sand the accesories that would make it as real as possinle

Answer 1

For the substrate, I love pool filter sand (diatomaceous earth). It is naturally high in nutrients necessary for plant growth (iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium) and allows for great root growth. For plants, look into Sword Plants like Amazon Swords, Microsword, Chain Sword, Radican Sword, and for other plants, Anubias Barterii, Vallisnerias, Dwarf Saggitaria, and Pennywort. Remember that like all plants (and in most cases, more so) need light. Since water is much denser than air, more intense light is needed. If you don't already have one, get a large canopy (preferably T-5 or compact fluorescent) with as much light as you can, in the 10,000K or 6,700K area of the spectrum. Contact me if you have any questions.

Soop Nazi

EDIT: Java Fern is not an Amazon plant... Java Fern comes from South East Asia (Sumatra)...

Answer 2

I am not sure what size tank you have or what species you have but I will do my best to answer your question.

If you have a Silver Arowana (which requires a 250-gallon tank). It requires a heated tank between 75-82°F with a pH level between 6.0-7.0. The reason for the large tank is that it can grow up to 3’4” long. It is semi-aggressive and carnivorous. The enviroment that it requires is a fine gravel bottom, loosely platned and lots of open space for swimming. The aquarium must be fitted with a tight, heavy cover because the Arowana will jump, particularly when after prey. I would not recommend any small tank mates. Knifefish, large Plecostomusm Catfish and Ornate Bichirs make good tank mates. A carnivore, the Silver Arowana will eat other smaller fish, water fleas, mosquito larvae, as well as freeze-dried ocean plankton, krill and pellet foods.

If you have a Jardini Arowana (which requires a 125-gallon tank). It requires a heated tank between 75-86°F with a pH level between 6.9-7.1. The reason for the large tank is that it can grow up to 2’4” long. It is semi-aggressive and carnivorous. I would not recommend any small tank mates. Knifefish, large Plecostomusm Catfish and Ornate Bichirs make good tank mates. A carnivore, the Silver Arowana will eat other smaller fish, water fleas, mosquito larvae, as well as freeze-dried ocean plankton, krill and pellet foods.

If you want to mimic a South American Amazon Biotope, the tremperature and pH requirements is 64-82° with a pH level between 5.8-8.5. Here is what I would suggest you use:

Substrate And Decorations:
EcoComplete Plant Substrate (ABQ-12989), Driftwood and Blackwater Extract (ABQ-902214)

Plants:
Anubias Nana (CW-330104) or Anubias Nana On Drfitwood (CW-25251)
Anubius nana is a hardy plant that is an aquarium favorite among many hobbyists. This rosette plant may reach up to 6 inches in length and has beautiful dark green leaves in low, handsome clumps. They usually have diagonal lines running from the center vein to the leaf perimeter. Anubius nana has tall, variable foliage that is usually pointed to ovate. It prefers moderate lighting and a pH of 6.0 - 7.5 with a temperature of 72-82°F. When planting the aquatic plant, take special care of the rhizome and the roots. A quality substrate fertilizer is necessary as well as a warmed tank bottom. CO2 fertilization is also recommended. Because it grows well from cuttings, you can usually reproduce it easily. Under correct water conditions, the Anubius nana propagates by side shoots on the rhizome, causing rhizome division. It can be attached to logs in an aquarium to form lovely tropical scenes.

Brazilian Sword (CW-330117)
The Brazilian Sword, a Rosette Plant, is from Tropical America and may grow to a height of 1’4“. The Spathiphyllum tasson's petiole is larger than its blade, which is ornamented by well-elevated veins. A member of the Araceae family, this plant requires water temperatures of 73°-83°F. The Brazilian Sword prefers a neutral pH, with a pH range of 6.5-7.0 being best. It is an amphibious plant that will grow either fully or partially submersed. Provide at least 3 watts per gallon of full spectrum light (5000-7000K). The Brazilian Sword grows extremely slow. To keep this plant from overgrowing the aquarium, simply cut back the tall leaves. This plant will add interest to your aquarium. Young plants may be obtained by cutting the rhizome.

Java Fern (CW-330039)
Java Fern is a beautiful addition to the freshwater, planted aquarium. Growing around 8 inches tall, with creeping, green rhizomes, Java Ferns are well suited for not only planted aquariums, but also those that contain cichlids and other large South American fish.
Java Ferns will do well if planted in moderate light as well as in a shaded area. It is amphibious, meaning that it will grow either partially or fully submersed. Provide at least 2 watts per gallon of light supplied by full spectrum (5000-7000K) bulbs. Java Ferns will thrive in an aquarium with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 and temperatures between 68-82°F. They will propagate by adventitious plants on leaves & roots, and rhizome division may also be seen. Java Fern looks great planted singly, or in groups if there is enough room in the aquarium.

All the ‘ABQ’ listed items can be found at http://www.drsfostersmith.com
All the ‘CW’ listed items can be found at http://www.liveaquaria.com

I hope that all this help you achieve what you hope to create. Have fun and let me know how it turned out.