Office In Wall Reef Aquarium

UPDATE of our 3rd floor office in wall reef aquarium build.

This project began with hoisting the tanks glass panels and metal support frame up to the top floor of our clients offices, currently undergoing refurbishment. This bespoke aquarium would be located between the 2 directors offices giving both a great view. As well as one side facing into the office lobby area providing a view straight down the tank.

Custom fish tank build
Aquarium cabinet going up!

The Tank Build

Once the panels and supporting steel frame were safely deposited, the next step is to position the frame (which was welded to the floor!) and build the aquarium. Our team performed this aquarium on-site build over a 2 day period and did a great job.

Bespoke aquarium
We built this aquarium onsite

A larger tank was first proposed by the client, however it was eventually approved by the structural surveyor that a long x deep x high tank, complete with sump filter would be feasible and the floor was up to the job of holding this heavy load. A series of RSJ’s were put in place to add further strength before we commenced with the tank build.

Bespoke Reef Filter System

With the display tank and sump tanks now in position, we started installing the necessary high end filtration system that would be filter and support the tanks livestock. Before starting any project, we produce a custom aquarium design and filter system. Various calculations need to be performed such as, display and sump tank flow rates, organic load, water displacement etc.

The custom filtration system comprises of some of the very latest equipment to come on the market. It incorporates an automatic top up and water change system, trace element dosing unit and an algae reduction light reactor. This algal reactor reduces organics by growing macro algae, and thus effectively utilising nutrients that might be used by a unsightly nuisance algae. It’s the very same principle that a good pond design utilises – growing plants around and within the pond use up nutrients to keep water clean and healthy.

Fish tank filter design

Another aspect of this bespoke aquarium is the use of closed loop pumps to provide the main wave like flow within the tank. These Vectra pumps and plumbed directly to the underside of the aquarium and suck water in from here. The water then enters the pumps and is discharged back to the tank near the top corners. These pumps have a variable flow option which means they will run at 30% power for 20 seconds and then 100% power for 20 seconds. An added bonus is they are App controlled and so work together to pulse flow alternately. This creates excellent turbulent water flow that marine fish and corals thrive on. In the evening the pumps enter a night time mode and only provide a gentle flow to allow livestock to relax.

Additionally, together with the automation already in place, we added an automated cleaning system to the filters large protein skimmer. A protein skimmer removes organics from the water which results in the collection of a dark liquid in the skimmers collection cup. A skimmer is at its most efficient when kept clean. Therefore, the auto cleaning unit is programmed to remove and flush away organic deposits once  per day. Without this unit, the skimmer may be left for days without being manually cleaned which results in a drop in its effectiveness.

Reef Tank Aquascape and Stocking

We decided to keep this Aquascape simple as the tank is only 50cm deep but also taking into acccount the view both company directors willh have when sat in their offices. A combination of Real Reef rock and live coral sand is used to create the foundation which we would be adding live coral too.

Aquarium installer

Once a stable foundation is built and the tank has bedded in for a couple of weeks we are able to start adding the first pieces of livestock.

Various soft and hard corals are placed into the structure and cemented in place. At this point, we program the lighting which is the very latest generation LED lamp from D&D The Aquarium Solution. We have installed 6 x Hydra52hd lamps above this tank which will provide more than enough light for both soft and hard corals.

Aquarium led lighting
Latest spec Hydra52 light

Programming is a quick and easy as the lamps link directly to a phone or tablet via an App. Due to the tank being immature, lighting is kept at a low level so as to avoid unnecessary algal blooms which often plague new aquarium set ups.

Fish tank installer
First live corals added.

We will be continuing to stock this office in wall reef aquarium up to Christmas and into the new year. Please keep an eye on our blog for further updates.

Fish tank design

 

Like the idea of having your own home or office in wall reef aquarium?

Please contact us here or call 01457511138

Aquarium design

Custom Aquarium Build in Preston, Lancashire

Custom Aquarium Build in Preston, Lancashire

We are delighted to be commissioned by Inspired Energy PLC to design and install a large bespoke aquarium in their newly refurbished reception.

This huge fish tank measures 2.7 metres long x 90cm high x 60cm deep, and sits against the receptions rear wall directly behind the reception desk.

Wall fish tank
Aquarium Build Commences

Our Bespoke Aquarium

The tank is manufactured in 19mm thick glass and has an ultra clear front pane. This large tropical aquarium will eventually house a variety of large fish and live plants.

Bespoke aquarium builder
Aquarium in Position

 

The tank is filtered via our latest life support system which will ensure excellent water clarity and quality. As well as including CO2 injection to aid plant growth and automated daily water changes.

Lighting the tank are 8 Radion XR15 freshwater LED lamps which are programmed by our technician using and app.

 

Fish tank builder uk
Aquariums Lighting Installed

The Tanks Custom Theme

As part of our part of our bespoke aquarium installations we are able to offer custom themes. In this case, because our client is in the energy supply market we added pylons and wind turbines to the tank.

Please keep an eye on our blog for progress updates of this tank and our other current projects.

Aquarium design