What’s the perfect PH range for aros?

AlbinoSilvers

Feeder Fish
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Jan 4, 2025
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Some say they keep there’s at 8 and I’ve never went above 7 max. Right now my big boys are kept at 6.5. Isn’t 6-7 the ideal range? Me and a buddy are trying to settle an old argument and what’s best FOR THE FISH. What are your Arowanas PH set at usually? 🤔
 
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thiswasgone

Piranha
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Oct 23, 2014
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Some say they keep there’s at 8 and I’ve never went above 7 max. Right now my big boys are kept at 6.5. Isn’t 6-7 the ideal range? Me and a buddy are trying to settle an old argument and what’s best FOR THE FISH. What are your Arowanas PH set at usually? 🤔
As far as I know all freshwater fish, and most saltwater fish, will be able to survive within a 6-8.5 pH range; this includes growing and breeding. However, this doesn't mean it is optimal for them to be in a pH range outside of their native habitat unless they have have been bred for several generations in different conditions; usually this only matters if you have a sensitive wild-caught fish species. Otherwise, chasing a specific pH level is typically pointless as large pH swings will likely cause more damage in the long run. In other words, just keep your pH as stable as possible and usually most non-wild fish will adapt.

For arowana specifically I would assume a semi-stable pH between 6-7 would be ideal considering they live in flood-plain rainforests where oxygen can be scarce. In the past all my arowana (blacks, silvers, jardinis) have been grown and raised to 2ft+ in a pH of 7 with low-to-0 mineral content.
 

AlbinoSilvers

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 4, 2025
13
3
3
38
As far as I know all freshwater fish, and most saltwater fish, will be able to survive within a 6-8.5 pH range; this includes growing and breeding. However, this doesn't mean it is optimal for them to be in a pH range outside of their native habitat unless they have have been bred for several generations in different conditions; usually this only matters if you have a sensitive wild-caught fish species. Otherwise, chasing a specific pH level is typically pointless as large pH swings will likely cause more damage in the long run. In other words, just keep your pH as stable as possible and usually most non-wild fish will adapt.

For arowana specifically I would assume a semi-stable pH between 6-7 would be ideal considering they live in flood-plain rainforests where oxygen can be scarce. In the past all my arowana (blacks, silvers, jardinis) have been grown and raised to 2ft+ in a pH of 7 with low-to-0 mineral content.
Thank you for the answer! I just got my new test in and my tap/well and tank water comes out 8.0. What’s the safest and more stable way to lower the PH for an Arowana?
 

fishguy1978

Redtail Catfish
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Mar 30, 2020
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Washington
I kept mine in 8.2. Would still be in 8.2 if it hadn’t jumped.
 
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fishguy1978

Redtail Catfish
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Mar 30, 2020
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That is possibly why it jumped.
Arowana are jumpers. It’s who they were created to be. They are known as flying monkey fish in the amazon. I failed to close a lid.
 
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