The earliest incarnation of Fishtank took shape in 1997, with Anjas (guitars, vocals), Roslan (bass) and Mahatir (drums) jamming together. Zaidi subsequently joined in as an additional guitarist. However, Mahatir decided to leave and the band was reorganized where Roslan took over drumming duties and Anjas playing bass. At this point in time, the band was covering tracks by bands such as Rage Against The Machine, Korn, Marilyn Manson and the Rollins' Band.

Although the jamming sessions had been frequent, the band realized that as a unit they did no have the feel for playing music they were currently practising. At this moment, Zaidi introduced The Urge to the guys, and its blend of reggae, rock and hardcore felt right with everyone. A new kind of excitement was felt by the band, and soon after Fishtank was playing almost every song by The Urge plus other influences such as Sublime, Voodoo Glow Skulls, The Specials and 311. The band had become really tight by then, but a vocalist was still sorely missing. Sometime in February 1998, after auditioning three different singers, Zaid was eventually recruited. The band's morale was definitely lifted, and Fishtank's first two original tracks, “What About You” and “S.O.B” were written. The led to Fishtank's first gig at Roomful of Blues, playing alongside bands like Bleeding Gums, Cesspit and Dyfectra, to a very appreciative crowd.

More original songs were written and at the same time the band participated in two band competitions; the MTV Band Alert 1998 and the Chijmes' Battle of the Bands. Having gained experience and exposure from these events, Fishtank went on to play its second gig at the Youth Park. Soon after, Roslan decided to leave due to musical commitments elsewhere. The band took a short hiatus before coming back with a new drummer, Andy, who had served time in bands such as Still and the State. Giving the band a second go, the rest of the guys connected easily with Andy's unique style of drumming. Soon, creative juices began to flow in the tank again and more songs were written.

Having had the experience of playing gigs, band competitions and capturing the second position in “sing For Joy” contest held by the defunct Studio East, Fishtank has also gone to recruit two horn players, namely Bambang and Fahmi. There are still plans to increase the horn section and make the band even 'bigger'.