Red/Pink LEDs for Red Arowana
Red and chili red arowana develop deeper color under red/pink LED spectrum (630-660nm). Popular "dragon LED" strips boost pigment over 3-6 months.
Downside: tank water looks pink/red constantly, hard to detect early disease signs. Alternate with white every few hours.
Cool White for Gold Crossbacks
Crossback golds show best under 6500K cool white. Pure white light reveals metallic gold scales without yellowing them.
Warm white (3000K) makes crossbacks look muddy brown. Avoid.
Full Spectrum Compromise
For beginners or mixed collections, 5000K full spectrum LED works for all arowana varieties. Less extreme color pop but balanced.
This is what most professional import tanks use — they need to show the fish honestly.
Schedule and Intensity
6-8 hours per day is enough. 10+ hours bleaches colors and stresses fish. Use a timer.
Intensity: 20-40W per 500L is plenty. High-PAR lights for plants are overkill and may promote algae.