By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, March 16: Rinchen Bong first discovered that being around aquariums made him feel tranquil and peaceful when he was a teenager.
Hailing from Kuching, Bong said he realised this when he worked at an aquarium shop after Form 5 and later when he opened an aquarium shop.
As such, ten years ago, he set up a fish studio as a business at Tabuan Laru Commercial Centre which specialises in aquarium life and services.
“I would say I have more than twenty years of experience with aquarium life and that is why I ventured and set up the business here as it has been part of my life and to make it my profession.
“In general, apart from selling fish and plants, we also give advice on aquariums, like tank set up, water quality, the health of shrimp and fish, bio filter systems and high-quality food for fish and shrimp etc,” the 44-year-old told DayakDaily.
Bong said that his business and expertise are always about sharing with those people who want their aquarium to be healthy and thriving.
“To some people, having an aquarium is rewarding, especially for those who adore aquatic life as some believe it offers them therapy. It works for me and always gives me peace of mind in life and my profession,” he said.
Bong revealed that to ensure his customers have a good aquarium, he prefers it be customised for them.
He said he makes suggestions to ensure that the aquarium life thrives as the aquatic environment is dynamic.
Aquariums can be assembled based according to the customer’s needs.
“It could be a low-end or high-end aquarium and also (according to) their budget. We will try to provide the best we can for them.
“We want the aquarium life to live long and appreciated. Of course, the emphasis on maintenance is important.”
Bong said adequate attention has to be given to every aspect of the aquarium tank, such as plant life which needs photosynthesis to thrive, and thus, need lighting.
“For example, sea coral, and freshwater life all need different light systems to thrive. Like those aquatic plants, they can thrive in two habitats—on land and water. So (setting up the environment to enable) photosynthesis for these plants need to be right to be healthy,” he disclosed.
Bong opined that it would be better for people, who lack or have no knowledge of aquariums to consult him or other aquarium experts.
“This is because it is their investment, no matter how small or big, because ultimately, we want people to have beautiful and thriving aquariums.”
Bong disclosed that nowadays, people prefer keeping terrariums.
“Of course, the bigger the more beautiful,” he said.
Bong revealed that local customers’ favourite fishes included arowana, koi, goldfish and species of redfish as they represented good luck.
His shop, 57 Aquarium Centre at Tabuan Laru Commercial Centre, is not only a fish studio but also makes exhibition tanks, and fish storage tanks, selling about 30 to 50 different types of tropical and marine fish, biosystems, and quarantine services.
It is open daily from 10am to 7pm except on Mondays. For more information, call 010 976 6633. — DayakDaily
