Lim Jun Yi, Straits Times 1 Aug 09;
FISH are friends, not fads - you do not dump them into reservoirs once you get tired of them.
For example, a good number of luohan fish were released into 'the wild' when the 2002 craze died down two years later, and it is episodes like that which one company is hoping to prevent.
Pet food and accessories supplier Tetra Aquatic Asia wants new hobbyists to think of fish-rearing as a long-term investment, no different from keeping a dog, cat or parrot.
'There are those who just use tap water and wonder why their fish are dying!' said Mr Prem Kumar, who handles the company's marketing, advertising and promotions.
To disseminate the right information - including finer details like the water pH level and the type of filtration systems needed - the company has a fail-proof package for novices.
AquaArt, designed especially for new fish owners, is a tank which comes with a book and CD containing step-by-step instructions on the upkeep of an aquarium.
Items such as fish food, water conditioner and a filtration system are included. In fact, it comes with everything except the fish themselves.
Mr Edwin Lim, a member of fish group Betta Club, bought an AquaArt tank for his three sons aged seven, nine and 11, and said they now know how to wash the tank and change the filter. He said: 'It's all-in-one - simple. They can handle it themselves so I just let them do it.'
Hoping to promote interest among more people, Tetra regularly organises tours and teaching sessions which are family-centric.
On its tours to the Rainbow Aquarium fish farm at Sungei Tengah Road, hobbyists can watch the live spawning of some arowana fish - otherwise kept a trade secret by breeders.
Tetra also sponsors shows and competitions organised by Singapore's fish clubs, including the Guppy Club, the Discus Club and two goldfish clubs.
Families get to take part in aquascaping (landscaping in an aquarium) competitions at roadshows. How-to tutorials on making balcony ponds or caring for ornamental fishes are also conducted free.
The group is now considering visiting schools to teach students and teachers how to set up aquariums and keep healthy fish, and even explain fish anatomy.
Tetra's manager of Far East Markets, Ms Clarissa Then, said: 'Our objective is to get people excited over the hobby of keeping fish...We want to start them young.'
