Warmfish

I purchased the aquarium, complete with cabinet and start-up kit from Maidenhead Aquatics.

I really liked the look of the solid oak range cabinet with drawers, which appear to be exclusive to Maidenhead Aquatics. Due to high demand for these solid oak units (also available with a wine rack cabinet, and a larger 150cm tank) the lead time for my aquarium was four weeks.

The supplier to Maidenhead Aquatics is a company called Sea Shell Aquariums, who manufacture the tank, and import the oak cabinet from the far east. I do not know whether the oak used in the manufacture of the cabinet is ethically acquired. This may sway some fish keepers from purchasing these items.

My particular cabinet came from Vietnam, stamped with ‘Best Oak’ in black ink on the inside of the drawers. The craftsmanship is extraordinary! Dovetailed joints, and a very hefty bit of furniture. I see this purchase as a serious investment. It is not self assembly, it comes to your door (once you’ve manhandled it into your car) in three completely assembled parts.

• The hood
• The tank
• The cabinet (weighs quite a bit!)

Here are a few snaps taken after I’d got rid of the mass of cardboard, with the start-up kit provided by Maidenhead Aquatics gently placed on top or to the side.

Figure 1: 110cm (width), 45cm (depth) and 75cm height silicone sealed glass tank, with solid oak cabinet and hood.

Figure 2: The filter, heater and lights

 
Figure 3: Lighting, bacterial starter kit, and water conditioning products, and an algae scraper (not part of the kit… I just happened to have it to hand)

Figure 4: Detailing of the drawer construction

Figure 5: The interior of the cabinet, complete with hole in rear for external filter hose access, and power supply access

I am very happy with my purchase! I’d recommend visiting your nearest Maidenhead Aquatics shop to see one of these cabinets in the flesh! It certainly sold it to me.

Be aware that you’ll need to wax the oak to prevent water splashes from staining the finish. The manufacturer supplies the cabinet with some wax, however I suspect this will be quickly absorbed, so I will be making the effort to wax it again before I start filling the tank with water.

Martin

P.S. see the product page for more information.