A custom aquarium is a small building project. Glass, cabinet, plumbing, electrics and fish all have to work together. Fish Tank Boys can design it with you and manage the build for you: checking that the quotes are fair, that the right materials are used and that the work is done properly, so you end up with a tank that looks great and is easy to look after.
Why custom tanks go wrong
Most problems with custom aquariums are decided long before the first fish goes in:
- Glass too thin for the height of the tank, or no bracing on long tanks.
- A stand that can't carry the weight. Water weighs about a kilogram per litre, so a 400 litre tank is close to half a ton before rock and glass.
- No room to work. Tanks built tight against a ceiling or wall that nobody can reach into to clean.
- Filtration that's too small, which means cloudy water and constant maintenance.
- The wrong position: in direct sunlight (algae), next to a heater or aircon vent (temperature swings), or far from a plug.
- Quotes that leave things out, like delivery, installation, lighting or the cabinet, so the real cost only shows up later.
How we design and project manage a build
Brief and site visit
We measure the space, check the floor and power, and talk about the look you want, your budget, the fish you'd like and who will look after it.
Design
Size and volume, glass type and thickness, bracing, cabinet, filter, lighting, heating and access for maintenance. You get a clear equipment list.
Quotes checked
We get quotes or review the ones you have, compare them like for like and check the price is fair for what's included.
Build oversight
We check the right glass, silicone and cabinet materials are used and that the workmanship is up to standard before it's delivered.
Installation and leak test
Positioned, levelled and filled with water only. It stands for 24 to 48 hours before anything else goes in.
Set-up and cycling
Rock, plants and equipment in, then the tank is cycled so the good bacteria are established before fish are added.
Stocking
Fish added gradually, in sensible numbers, so the tank can keep up with the waste.
Handover to maintenance
The same team that planned it looks after it every month, so the design keeps working.
What project management saves you
- One point of contact instead of you managing a glass company, a carpenter, an electrician and a fish shop.
- An independent check on pricing. We tell you if a quote is high, or if it's cheap because something important is missing.
- The right materials. We check glass thickness, seams, cabinet construction and finishes against what was quoted.
- A tank designed to be maintained. Because we maintain tanks for a living, we design for easy access, the right-sized filter and lighting that doesn't grow algae. That keeps your monthly costs down for years.
Questions to ask any aquarium builder
- What glass thickness are you using, and is it right for this height?
- Is the tank braced, and how?
- What warranty do you give on leaks and silicone?
- Is the cabinet built to carry the full weight, and is the finish water resistant?
- Does the price include delivery, installation, lighting, filtration and heating?
- How will someone reach into the tank to clean it?
Homes, offices and showrooms
We work on lounge tanks, room dividers, reception and boardroom tanks, and feature tanks for shops and clinics. For businesses we plan installation around your hours so there's minimal disruption on site.
Planning a custom tank?
Talk to us before you sign a quote. We'll help you design it properly and manage the build from start to finish.