Prepare an aquarium suitable for the scalar fish normally performed as if it were for any other tropical fish. With the only difference that being a fish with big fins you have to have a relatively tall aquarium. The aquarium will not be less than 50 centimeters high. We would say that the bigger the better.
The bigger the better the aquarium
You have to take into account the scalar fish that you want to include in the aquarium. The main peculiarity is that if we acquire them being small or medium we must say that in time they will become adults. Therefore the dimensions they need will be larger. To calculate the capacity in liters we will take the reference in liters, not less than 15-20 liters for each fish.
Mostly the scalar fish is very territorial. For this reason, when preparing the aquarium we must define areas. Good with plants that do not take away the vision, of different sizes and in different points of the aquarium or with rounded stones. Keep in mind that scalars like the slow water stream, strong currents stress them.
Therefore external filters and plate filters with centrifugal pumps must circulate with minimum flow, producing slow currents. If external filters are used, those with a rain system on the water surface are recommended.
As for the water, although the scalars acclimatize very well, it is necessary to follow some parameters to get a good healthy marine ecosystem and especially in the face of spawning. The values of the water to maintain them can vary in some degrees of pH, hardness and even temperature. Regarding spawning, it must be kept within certain stricter parameters for its reproduction.
El water should be soft, with a pH close to 7 and a temperature of 25-26º C in winter and 27-28º C in summer. The lighting should not be excessive, and filtered by the shade of the plants themselves.