Aquariums are known to be a wonderful hobby; they provide us with hours of restful and beautiful entertainment. They can also be an excellent way for kids to learn about ecosystems, plus they can help in relieving everyday life stress. Continue reading “Considerations for Aquarium Installation”
Tag: aquarium maintenance service
Royal Derby Hospital Aquariums
We offer our aquarium services in the whole of derbyshire, and so it was nice to be contacted by the Royal Derbyshire Hospital. They explained that they were unhappy with their current contractor who was not adequately servicing a large wall aquarium of theirs.
Our Findings:
A visit by our company was promptly arranged to go a view the tank to see where improvements could be made. Upon visiting, the tank was in poor condition and improvements could be made everywhere!!
The hospital also explained that they’d like one of our rental aquariums for a patient day room where minor treatments take place.
Because of contractual reasons we were not able to start our work for a few months but once November came we were given the green light to proceed.
Aquarium Rental
Our first task was to install the new fish tank rental. The hospital had already chosen the size and colour of the tank. We had previously worked on this tank so installation and disruption to the hospital was kept to a minimum. From start to finish we installed this aquarium rental in under an hour.
Aquarium – Major Service
Next was to tackle the 8ft wall aquarium. Again previously, we had produced a checklist of works for this tank to make the cleaning process as efficient as possible. Even so, this deep clean would take us over 5 hours!
We started by removing all the tanks decoration as it was covered in algae and looked like it hadn’t been changed…… ever.
Once the tank was clear we could hoover the entire gravel bed and clean the tank panels. Additionally, the external filter was removed and cleaned.
We were now in a good position to install some new equipment and decorate the aquarium.
New equipment consisted of:
* Titanium heater and temperature controller.
* White and blue led lighting.
* Twin air pump
And so, 5 hours later the tank is finished. We immediately noticed a difference in the fish. They were far more active which was a result of increased tank water flow and a 100 litre water change.
Would you like to rent an aquarium for your home or business?
Or, do you require our aquarium maintenance service?
Please contact us
Completed Wall Aquarium – Birth Company in Cheshire
We recently completed this built in wall aquarium for the Birth Company located in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. The tank was commissioned as part of a total refurbishment of this now brand new, private antenatal medical practice.
Our Custom Design
This custom fish tank design incorporates an external filtration system which keeps the aquarium looking clean and free of any equipment.
Automated white and blue LED lighting illuminates the tank during opening hours and an automated feeding system ensures the fish are fed twice per day.
Aquarium Theme
This built in wall fish tank houses colourful tropical fish with a rock and plant theme. The decoration was designed with a natural look at the request of our client. The fish will provide an active display and may also breed in the future.
Maintenance Service
As part of this fish tank install, our client chose to employ our fish tank maintenance service. This cleaning and husbandry service will ensure the health and cleanliness of the aquarium.
Our aquarium maintenance service is not only a ‘cleaning’ service. But also we perform checks on the tank equipment, provide fish food, add livestock if required, as well as provide advice to clients on how to improve their aquarium.
Are you interested in having your own bespoke built in aquarium in your home or business?
We are bespoke aquarium designers and supply our tanks manufactured in either glass or acrylic. We are very happy to advise on feasibility, costings and logistics. With over 25 years of fish keeping knowledge and over 15 years experience of aquarium installation and maintenance. Our team offer a professional service and are dedicated to bringing your project to life.
Please email us here
Fish Tank Cleaning & Maintenance in Derbyshire
We are delighted to be commissioned by Cathelco UK to provide our aquarium maintenance service in Derbyshire.
Cathelco had expressed disappointment that their custom marine aquarium was not performing at its best. Following a visit to view the fish tank, we provided a report stating where improvements could be made. We carried out thorough water testing which revealed that its quality also required significant improvement.
Our aquarium maintenance service in Derbyshire provides exacting standards of fish tank care, as well as reports for our client detailing works carried out.
The tank will now be maintained by our fish tank cleaning service being provided via 4 monthly visits.
Improving the Aquarium
Because the whole tank set up was in poor condition we were left with little choice other than to completely strip the aquarium. All rockwork is removed, thus enabling a complete clean of the entire sand bed.
Whilst the rock was out of the aquarium we clean and remove all traces of hair algae which was plaguing the tank. Hair algae is caused by elevated nutrient levels such as phosphate and nitrate. These levels should be kept as low as possible in a reef aquarium. Phosphate is reduced by using a special type of media. This media absorbs phosphate from the water and is best fluidised so water contact time is increased. Phosphate media is replaced once it’s exhausted.
Nitrate can be reduced by carrying out partial water changes and also by using one of the many bio pellet reactors that can be bought.
Next, the existing tank pumps are removed as these are a real eyesore. We replace these for 4 variable flow pumps that will create strong chaotic wave motion that a reef tank and its inhabitants require. Additionally, this vigorous water flow also helps to flush out uneaten food or other debris so it may be removed by filtration.
We also upgraded the automatic top up unit as the existing unit used suction cups which tend to fail over time. Our unit uses a magnetic float provides a strong reliable fixing.
The tanks lighting was not powerful enough to adequately provide the corals with enough light intensity. Furthermore, the existing lighting was not controllable and so no dawn and dusk effect could be replicated.
We built Cathelco a new bespoke lighting rig which houses 4 very powerful LED lamps. These lamps utilise a wifi signal to link direct to our technicians phone.
From a phone or tablet the lamps can be programmed to slowly increase and decrease light output. The lamp contains a number of different colour leds which specifically cater for the needs of live coral. This kind of bespoke lighting provides not only a sunrise and sunset simulation. But also a powerful midday burst of light replicating a natural reef. Cloud and moonlight functions are options with the latter being a must if attempting to breed marine livestock.
Existing heaters are removed and discarded. These heaters not only looked rather old and showed scorching inside. But left unchecked they would provide a significant threat to the tank if they were to fail.
We installed a new temperature controller and 2 x 300 watt titanium heaters. These heaters are very durable and do not contain their own thermostat, unlike most aquarium heaters on the market. Instead, the heaters are turned on and off by the temperature controller. This has its own temperature probe which can precisely control temperature to within 0.1 of a degree. The controller also has a cooling option where by it will turn on cooling fans during the summer should the temperature rise out of normal range.
The sump filter tank is stripped and cleaned. New phosphate reactors added and also an earth probe. This is vital for electrical safety.
Having undergone a large aquarium service and 300 litre water change this tank is now on the road to recovery.
See below photos of BEFORE and AFTER our services are implemented.
For the Future?
As it continues to improve with our on-going aquarium maintenance service, we will be adding more livestock including both fish and corals. This will bring the tank back to life and once again provide a colourful focal point for all visiting Cathelco UK.
Interested in our aquarium cleaning service?
Please email or call us on 01457511138
Aquarium Cleaning Service Company
Aquarium Cleaning Service
Our comprehensive aquarium cleaning service will keep your fish tank looking clean and ensure water quality is perfect for your fish.
During each visit we will offer advice and suggest if any improvements can be made to your aquarium set up.
Additionally, we are able to bring with us a variety of decoration, foods and new livestock.
By and large, no two fish tanks we clean are ever the same. For this reason our technicians have a wealth of experience and knowledge of different species of livestock, but also types of filtration equipment and lighting. From a simple 50 litre tank using a small internal filter to a 2000 litre coral reef tank with a complex life support filter system.
Our Services Include:
Cleaning of your aquarium panels (glass or acrylic).
Filter clean – internal/external filter or sump based filter.
Water pump strip down clean.
Water changing (freshwater or salt water). As part of a water change we will also remove waste from your substrate, it being either sand or gravel.
Water testing (freshwater or saltwater).
Replacement of decoration – we hold a vast stock of artificial plants and natural rocks / woods.
Pruning of live plants or corals.
Introduction of new livestock. All our livestock is held in our own quarantine facility.
General check up of the entire aquarium to include inspection of livestock and equipment. Recommendations and advice given to improve the fish tank.
If using our fish tank cleaning service on a regular basis, we record and hold a diary of works carried out for the aquarium. This also becomes a useful tool as a reference to monitor water parameters over a period of time.
Not at home most days OR going on holiday?
For those clients with busy lifestyles, we are able to hold keys for your house or workplace in our secure safe. This means we don’t require anyone to be home to be able to service the aquarium. This service is particularly helpful if you have holidays planned as our technicians are then able to call in to check on your fish tank whilst your away, giving peace of mind.
Ocean Life Aquatics provide a high quality aquarium service throughout Manchester and surrounding areas. We also cover Cheshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Newcastle upon Tyne. Not located in these areas? Please email us with your location and requirements.
Interested our fish tank cleaning service, or any other aquarium services we offer?
Please contact us
Built in Wall Fish Tank
We are built in wall fish tank specialists. Having designed and installed hundreds of aquariums ranging in size from 50 litres up to 15,000 litres!
We offer our aquarium design and installation service to both residential and commercial clients. For very large aquaria we have the capacity to build the aquarium on-site within your home or business or deliver the whole tank via lifting apparatus.
Utilising high quality filtration equipment from our many suppliers… and working alongside your architect, structural engineer and other trades ensures the aquarium is a high quality finished product.
And coupled with our fish tank cleaning service, the aquarium will be well taken care of to ensure a healthy environment for your fish.
If required a turn key service is offered including:
• Aquarium design and installation.
• Aquarium set up and commissioning.
• Addition of livestock at the clients choice.
• Aquarium maintenance contract.
Do you have a design concept for a built in wall fish tank?
Please contact us to discuss your idea.
Aquarium Overhaul
Aquarium overhaul and re-design in Manchester of this bow front tank for one of our clients. The tank was completely stripped down and fully cleaned before the new decor was added consisting of white cobblestones and Talawa driftwood.