My New Arowana Tank - A 3 part series
My New Arowana Tank Part 1 (The Cabinet)- article & pictures by West

 

Before anyone starts to keep an arowana, he should first decide on how to set up his aquarium. The first step is in fact, acquiring a suitable tank. I wrote this article with the intention of sharing my experiences with members in the forum. Hopefully, this article will be useful when members decide to customize their own setup.As most of you might know by now, an Asian arowana requires more space than any other freshwater fish in order to grow to it's optimum size of over 24 inches. That is why most experienced hobbyist will recommend a tank of not less than 4ft in length and not less than 2ft in width and a height not less than 1.5ft. It is also important to purchase a tank that is built with strong joints as well as a stand that is capable of supporting the entire content of the tank. A fully filled 4ft by 2ft by 2ft tank will contain about 453 litres of water. This is about 453kg of water! It is a must that the supporting stand and the silicon joints do not give way easily. Thus, it is of utmost importance that quality and reliability of the tank and the supporting stand is not compromised. Always visit a qualified manufacturer to purchase your tank and supporting stand.

Tip:
Always measure the space prior to negoiating for a bigger tank when your wife or mum is not around.Determine the maximum size that will fit. Remember to give a few more inches all round for the woodwork. Next, look out for a good day, not for feng shui purpose but a day that your wife feels good, that will most likely be the day that you will get approval. Remember, be tactful! Don't scare her by saying that you want a 6 ft tank as in her mind, a 6 ft tank is taller than her! Instead, if you already have an existing tank, tell her you wish to increase your tank by a couple of inches i.e 18 inches more.


Single or double tier?
Of course, more is merrier but there are pros and cons in both.

Single tank setup with cabinet
Double tier setup
There is no height restriction and can easily have a tank of height more than 2ft.   The tank in the lower tier is often restricted by the height of the stand.

Neat and tidy, can hide accessories and equipment in cabinet

  Set-up will look messy if everything is not properly concealed.

Usually, only 1 big arowana in 1 tank.

  Can keep at least 2 arowanas, 1 in each tank.

Only need to maintain and change water in 1 tank.

  More maintenance work required in keeping 2 tanks clean.
Easier to reach the top of the tank during feeding and maintenance   Might require a small stool or ladder to reach top of tank during feeding or maintenance


Structure
First, it is important to choose the right material for the cabinet. The material of choice must be able to withstand corrosion as water from the tank might corrode the cabinet over time. This material must also be strong and durable. As advised by my carpenter, chengai wood suits the above criteria. In fact, chengai wood was used in the olden days to build fishing boats.


Close Up shot of Chengai Wood of 3 inch thickness all round

Cutting out the grooves correctly is an art by itself

Cutting the wood with a power saw to form the joints

The joints for the cabitnet frame

Leg support

A good way to apply the glue for formica- to get a better hold notice the grooves on the left applicator that resembles the grooves of tyres.

Notice the streaks of line that will hold the formica really well as application tends to be thicker when using the applicator with grooves.

Getting ready to place the formica on
Formica in place

My cabinet is finally here.

The cabinet without the doors attached. The raw unfinished part of the cabinet is chengai wood. Remember to do all your wirings at this stage before putting on the tank and cabinet doors.

>>> Part 2 - All you need to know about your glass tank

 


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