Arowana PH level at 8.2.. how bad is that?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
D

daveman12345

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 17, 2008
200
1
0
la
I don't know if it's the tap water in my apartment or area (Anaheim, CA) but I've gotten really high readings for my first API test. I used 3 day old aged water for my initial set up, and for my tank changes (25%). My reading today was 8.2. I ran to the store and purchased PH Down by API and applied it. I followed the directions of 2 drops per gallon. 3 hours later, the results are exactly the same.

Based on research, the PH should be around 7.0 for Aro's. My Jardini has been lasting the last few weeks, while I just purchased a Silver Arowana in a separate tank that seems to be getting past the initial shock of putting him in a new tank. What advice would you have about the PH levels? I do not know how I can bring it down if I already applied the "PH Down" medicine. I am considering buying driftwood as I have read this helps bring it down but may take several weeks.

Please advise as I have two Arowana's and do not want any harm done to them. I am doing my research, so any additional info will help.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vampire fish
Your arowana should adapt to the pH in the long term. Fluctuations will cause more damaged.
Is your water very hard?, it sounds like it has a high GH thats why the pH isnt dropping. Bring a sample to your local fish store or ask them about the water in your area..
 
  • Like
Reactions: tlindsey and eddiegunks
aros are very hardy and will adapt to your water
it is the fluctuating pH and temp that will kill it
use driftwood and as your fish grows and ffeds more, the pH will drop.....stability is more important than the absolute pH value...IMO
 
  • Like
Reactions: JK47 and eddiegunks
As most have said you aro will adapt to the high pH. However what the long term effects will be, are unknown. Arowana come from waters that are slightly acidic.

I myself would not keep an silver arowana in a pH of anything higher then 7.0. Changing and balancing the pH can be dangerous a sometimes tricky, so it is best you research this alot and not just dump chemicals in your tank.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tlindsey and Drstrangelove
The pH range is OK provided the swings are not large or sudden. A stable pH is critical to healthy maintenance of most fish. As to tank size, your 90 gallon is only appropriate for juvenile aros. In truth, you'll need to be looking in the area of 300 gallons for long-term housing for adult aros.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tlindsey
My Arawana lives in a tank with the pH of 8 to 8.2. He is doing fine. He eats like an absolute monster and looks beautiful.

Just keep up with your water changes and he'll be fine.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tlindsey
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom