Aquarium Design

Ultimately, the success of an aquatic system is determined by it’s design. In the aquarium design stage, we become ecosystem engineers, and engineering an ecosystem relies heavily on an accounting process for numerous factors.

Our aquarium design is a thoughtful process based on strict accounting of these factors to give the greatest opportunity for success initially, and for years beyond. Variables such as water flow pattern, aquarium lighting distribution and intensity, nutrient and waste management, and temperature are precisely calculated to allow for effective aquarium management.

In addition, we take extra care to make sure that the overall aquarium design and appearance meets the desires of our clients. Aquarium size and configuration, cabinetry, and placement of the system are critical elements to incorporate in order to deliver our clients’ visions.

STEPS IN THE PROCESS

With 50 years of experience in designing and installing custom aquariums, our aquarium consultants are confident that we can deliver your vision to you. Our consultation process entails meeting with you, your general contractor or architect to create the best possible custom aquarium for your space.

Whether your dream is a 30 gallon freshwater planted aquarium built into your study, a 300 gallon coral reef aquarium dividing two rooms, or a 3000 gallon saltwater fish and shark display in the lobby of your office building, we have the resources and design capabilities to bring your project to life and integrate it seamlessly into your space.

Ultimately, the success an aquatic system experiences is determined by its design. In the aquarium design stage, we become ecosystem engineers, and engineering an ecosystem relies heavily on an accounting process for numerous factors.

Our aquarium design is a thoughtful process based on strict accounting of these factors to give the greatest opportunity for success initially, and for years beyond. Variables such as water flow pattern, aquarium lighting distribution and intensity, nutrient and waste management, and temperature are precisely accounted for to allow for effective aquarium management.

In addition, we take extra care to make sure that the overall aquarium design and appearance meets the desires of our clients. Aquarium size and configuration, cabinetry, and placement of the system are critical elements to incorporate in order to deliver our clients’ visions.

STEP 3: INSTALLATION

The aquarium installation process, when properly planned, should be a simple and straightforward action. We handle all aspects of the aquarium installation process, from delivery through to the completion of the project.

Professionalism is always a priority, and as such, we take great caution and care to ensure that your space and belongings are preserved. In addition to taking careful measures, we are bonded and insured to further protect your assets.

In certain cases, new clients have an existing aquarium that for one reason or another was not successful. One of our aquarium installation specialties at ADP is aquarium rehabilitation services. Our services are comprehensive, ranging from buffing heavily scratched acrylic and designing new life support systems to bringing old cabinetry back to life. At Aquarium design Professionals, we can truly bring old aquariums back to life.

STEP 4: MAINTENANCE

When it comes to maintaining an aquarium, one size does not fit all. There are many different types of aquariums: coral reef, saltwater fish-only, freshwater planted, African cichlid, discus, and many others…and all have different care requirements.

We have two primary goals: healthy animals and environments, and satisfied clients. To that end, we work with our clients to establish a maintenance schedule that ensures those goals are met. Some systems require only monthly maintenance care, while others benefit from much more frequent attention.

Maintenance schedules are determined by a number of factors, including the type of aquarium, size of the aquarium, the number of animals in the aquarium, and the needs of the client. During our initial consultations and planning, we will establish the appropriate maintenance schedule as well as what the average expected costs will be.

ConsiderationS for aquariums
Aquarium type

There are so many different types of aquariums available that it can be daunting to choose. If you are not sure of the kind of aquarium you would like in your space, our consultation process will help turn questions and uncertainty into a clear vision.

Our specialty is natural aquariums, which emphasize the use of natural materials and ecological processes in order to achieve a complete ecosystem. Such aquariums are typically more complex, but also tend to have the greatest long-term success. Of course, we can create any type of aquarium system you can dream up, and being a natural aquarium system is not requisite.

Living coral reef aquariums make up the majority of our client systems. We also offer saltwater fish-only systems, live freshwater planted aquariums, river aquariums, natural freshwater African cichlid and discus aquariums, and freshwater and saltwater ponds. 

Aquarium size

Possibly the most important consideration in determining the best aquarium for you is the size. Ideally, you would get the largest aquarium possible, but there are a myriad of factors that go into designing the best aquarium for the space.

An aquarium is a 3-dimensional space, and the design and configuration of that space is more important than simply getting the biggest aquarium possible.

What type of animals will the aquarium hold? What are their spatial requirements? What are their lighting and water movement needs? How many animals do you want to keep? What size and shape of aquarium can fit into the available space? What type of life support system will be used, and where will it go?

Our consultation will work to answer those and other questions in order to provide you with a stunning, healthy, and successful display. 

aquarium cost

There are a number of factors that comprise the cost of installing and keeping an aquarium. From the type of aquarium chosen to the materials used in construction to the life-support needed for the organisms, there can be a tremendous range of costs.

When budgeting for an aquarium system, we will help you each step of the way. While unanticipated costs can always arise when dealing with living things, we work hard to ensure that you will know not only what kind of costs you can expect, but also why those outlays are required.

Even within one type of aquarium, there can be a wide spectrum of costs. A reef aquarium, for example, can range from a relatively simple soft coral and fish display all the way to an extremely complex mixed reef, where conditions must be created and maintained that satisfy the requirements of a tremendous diversity of organisms. Those elements will determine not only the initial cost of the system, but also the care required afterward.

A good reference for aquarium information is The Aquarium Guide.