# Hobby: First time Aquarium for Arowana

> Source: https://furleybio.com/blog/hobby-first-time-aquarium-arowana/
> Published: 2015-04-26 | Updated: 2016-02-06
> Author: Furley Bio
> Language: en-US

Recently I was given a Gold Cross Back Arowana from a dear friend.

I have been hesitant to accept such responsibility and what I consider as an extra curricular activity with that being said being from a Chemistry background I found the water chemistry intriguing and possibly exciting.

This is a documented adventure of my experience in setting up and maintaining my first aquarium.

At this point in time since I am writing this article I have expanded my interests into aquascaping, raring guppies and with an intention to breed betta’s.

### The Tank

With most first timers the tank is indeed the place where you see your fish. It is your viewing screen to the fishes world. Personally as I went for value for money. I had a friend whom is very keen about raising Arowana help me get a tank for under MYR280 with the stand at his local loitering spot in Seremban.

### The Filter

So there are many approaches to this. I went with value for money and options to increase in tank size as Arowana’s can outgrow the tank I have bought. I purchase a EHEIM 600 Classic Canister for around MYR550 (On Offer)

### The Air Pump

Need to pump some air into the water, I initially bought some Malaysian brand which works well but is very noisy. So I shopped around again and ended up with a Hailea with 2 air outlets. (Works relatively silently for good value)

 

### Initial Liquids (Starter Kit) Recommended by a friend

Dechlorination Solution Nutrafin Aqua Water Conditioner

Bacteria Start Culture 1. Nutrafin Cycle 2. API Stress Zyme (Bought 1 month later)

Ammonia Test Kit API Ammonia Test

Food Hikkari Food Sticks

[![IMG_1343-1](https://d155kity4o7fyf.cloudfront.net/2018/11/IMG_1343-1-300x225.jpg)](https://i0.wp.com/blog.furleybio.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_1343-1.jpg)