The Koi Pond

Introduction

If you’re a fan of ornamental fish and water gardening but still haven’t tried setting up a koi pond, you’re missing out on a lot. Koi ponds are a popular water feature not only because of their aesthetic value but also because they create a soothing, tranquil environment that promotes relaxation and reduces stress.

Now, imagine adding a majestic fish like Arowana to your koi pond setup. It would be a sight to behold, and the combination would create an even more serene and captivating view. This article will help you understand the species, provide you with the necessary information on how to set up an Arowana in your koi pond, and tips on maintaining and enhancing your aquatic ecosystem.

Understanding Arowana

Arowana is a freshwater fish native to South America and Southeast Asia. It is also popularly known as Dragon Fish or Asian Arowana. It is a long and sleek fish that can grow up to 36 inches and weigh up to four kilos. The fish is recognized for its shimmering and vibrant scales and its unique ability to jump five feet high into the air.

Arowana is a carnivorous fish and requires high protein food. They primarily feed on insects, small fish, and crustaceans. It is advisable to feed them food with a higher protein content like earthworms, crickets, or bloodworms.

Setting Up an Arowana in Your Koi Pond

Before introducing an Arowana to your koi pond, you need to consider the following factors: the size of your pond and the number of koi fish you already have. Arowana is a big fish that requires significant space to move around and thrive. The ideal size of a pond to add Arowana is a minimum of 500 gallons and up to 1000 gallons in capacity. The fish is highly territorial and aggressive and needs enough space to move around and explore.

The number of koi fish in your pond also affects whether you can introduce an Arowana or not. If you have too many koi fish in a small pond, there will not be enough space for the Arowana, and it may result in a territorial clash.

Before introducing Arowana to the koi pond, make sure that the water temperature and pH level are within the ideal range for both fish species. The water temperature should be between 20-29°C, with a pH range of 6.0-7.5.

Arowana prefer to live in a well-planted environment, so ensure you incorporate aquatic plants in the pond design. The plants also provide natural hiding spaces for the fish and improve the water quality.

Maintaining and Enhancing Your Aquatic Ecosystem

After setting up your Arowana in the koi pond, you need to ensure the water parameters are balanced and consistent. Conduct water tests regularly to check the water quality and use water treatments to balance the pH levels and remove harmful bacteria.

Proper feeding for both species is essential. You can provide a balanced diet to both species by feeding them premium quality pellets specially formulated for koi and Arowana. Feeding should be done twice a day, and the amount should be enough to feed them in five minutes.

Maintain a consistent water filter system to ensure water flow and remove waste from the fish. Regular water changes also help refresh the pond and remove excess nutrients that may cause algae growth, which can be harmful to both species.

Enhance the aesthetic value of your aquatic habitat by adding unique features like waterfalls, fountains, or lighting. You can also add fish accessories like rocks, driftwoods, and caves to provide natural hiding spots for both species.

Conclusion

Setting up an Arowana in your koi pond can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience if done correctly. The combination provides a perfect blend of aesthetics, and the sight of both fish species swimming harmoniously can be a calming and soothing pastime. Follow the guidelines given, and the tips provided to create and maintain your aquatic ecosystem, and enjoy the show!