The empty void to spice things up
The first important element is to acquire a decent size tank. Not too small and most importantly not too big to invoke von's displeasure. A good indicator is to observe her eyeballs on the verge of popping out from its socket.
Anyway, a small capacity tank will have problems with water stability because any slight change in parameter will have an adverse effect due to its small water volume. A larger tank will have a much better tolerant to the change in the quality of water. Also, the number and size of live stock will be limited in a small tank. Future expansion of tank will be crippled, which is no good for long term. Decided to source for either a 4ft or 3ft minimum for novice like me.
New good quality tank is too expansive for my 1st attempt. So have been brawling around a particular forum for suitable tank for sale. Sale of marine equipments are quite rampant in the community since many people decom their tank to upgrade or giving up due to many factors. I happened to chanced upon a decent 3 x 2.5 x 2 ft tank with all the equipments included and went to his place for a look before deciding.
The tank is not really cheap, but can see that the glass and cabinet is of better quality. 10mm thick glass joined using industrial grade black epoxy and solid wood structure for the cabinet. Don't want to risk flooding the entire living room with over 400litres of salt water if the tank is of poor quality. Cheaper tank will be typically 8mm thick with conventional clear epoxy to join the glass edges. This will give way due to the enormous pressure from the water after many years. The pictures from some members of the forum experiencing tank cracks speak volume by itself.
So parted with $800 for the tank, sump, skimmer, pump and light set and all the cheapo fishes and sandbed. I returned to his flat the next day to help him with the clearing of the tank inhabitants and dismantling the pipes for moving, and at the same time, learning as much as possible on sustaining the life stock. The tank mover is professional as they have many experiences in large tank moving.
I bought back all the fishes and shrimps contained in a pail before the tank is moved over to my place the following day. The journey took 30mins but it took its toil on the life stock. The intense heat in the car wiped out 50% of it and I am left with the most hardy and strongest surviving fishes. 2 cleaner shrimps survived but many died. Most of the surviving inhabitants eventually recovered from the ordeal and awaiting to be re-introduced back into the tank.
The tank arrived without any damage, great! The men quickly assembled and silicone all the piping back and the gel was left to cure over 1 day. Meanwhile, off to a fish farm in Pasir Ris to get marine salt and other additives for start up.
