How to Add an Aquarium to Home Renovation

Think Outside the Box

Traditional aquariums are rectangular boxes usually placed on shelves or countertops. Such a box by itself does not draw attention and quickly becomes part of other household items that need cleaning. If you want to make a strong impression with an aquarium, then you must think outside the box.

Besides being non-toxic, waterproof, and having a transparent section, aquariums can be used in various renovation projects including:

• Gum ball machines
• Coffee tables
• Coffee makers
• souvenir cabinets
• Old televisions
• Vases or large jars

Remember that you must clean the aquarium from time to time, so make sure your design allows for this. Explore other creative aquarium projects that will surely impress your guests.

Explore Aquarium Keeping

Aquarium keeping is basically underwater gardening; it's similar to landscape design for the outside world. The Dutch and Japanese are global leaders in aquarium keeping, often using tanks without fish, focusing on aquatic plants.

Aquarium keeping encompasses a wide range of aesthetic tastes and options, but the main goal is to create a pleasant and functional environment for specific use. Aquarium keeping will consider your marine life requirements and the size of your aquarium, and may include:

• Stones
• Gravel
• Coral
• DIY aquarium design
• Crystals and geodes
• Sand and slopes
• Plants
• Lighting

Large Aquariums

Aquariums are already used in kitchen islands, room dividers, and even bed headboards. When working with such large installations it's best to consult professionals. If you plan to do the work yourself, first check your homeowner’s insurance and ensure you are covered for water damage. Then evaluate the project and placement of your aquarium from electrical, plumbing, structural, and mechanical requirements.

Water displays like those seen at Vancouver Airport are developed, installed, and maintained by the local Vancouver Aquarium with a team of specialists. For large individual projects, it usually requires knowledge from a team of professionals including structural and mechanical engineers, aquarium keepers, designers, and biologists.

Realizing your ideas with experts allows easy installation of curved acrylic or cylindrical tanks, as well as floor-to-ceiling aquariums. Moreover, they can offer advice on the optimal balance between aesthetics and safety, as well as care.

If you plan to include an aquarium in your next home renovation, start planning early. Aquariums require electrical connections and often plumbing systems that are easier to incorporate at an earlier stage of the project.