Concrete tanks are commonly used for the culture of ornamental fishes in Singapore. Although there are minor differences in the sizes of the tank in individual farms as it depends largely on the species reared, a few common sizes are used. The sizes of the concrete tanks in some cases are also based on the farm area available.
The farm mentioned here was previously used for rearing Guppies, until it was taken over by Betta breeders. The farm produces both the show or display bettas and the fighting strain. The betta breeders made no changes to the existing tanks meant for raising Guppies, there may not be much difference in the housing of these 2 species after all.
The concrete tanks are usually square or rectangular in shape, odd shapes are uncommon. The tanks are constructed in rows with an aisle between 2 rows, the aisle are meant for ease of servicing and access to the tanks. Each tank has a screened outlet at one side which faces the aisle as can be seen on the above picture. It allow excess water to flow. The water drains directly onto the aisle, with no drainage pipes or scupper drains for the waste water. Fish are prevented from escaping through these outlet by nylon mesh. Other overflow devices may be PVC pipes placed on the centre that are just above the water level, see below picture. Excess water also flows into these pipes and similarly fish are prevented from escaping by nylon mesh secured over them.
A typical tank is 0.5m high 1.5m in length and 1.0m wide. The bottom of the tanks are usually concrete but can also be earthen. These tanks can each hold up to 150 bettas. Nets are installed over the tanks to prevent predation by birds and to reduce sunshine so as to avoid algae blooms which can make the fishes sick. In some farms wooden planks and zinc sheets are used to cover the tanks from the mid-day sun to prevent the water temperature from becoming too high and to prevent over flooding during typical tropical downpours.
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