What Makes a Good Custom Aquarium Builder?

Creating the perfect custom aquarium extends beyond simply placing a glass or acrylic fish tank on a stand, filling it with water, and adding fish. The construction and operation of an aquarium involve meticulous planning, careful consideration, and expert oversight. Whether it’s a small desktop aquarium or a floor-to-ceiling built-in wall aquarium, achieving a healthy and thriving aquatic environment requires attention to numerous factors.


Rob and Toshi assembling a large aquarium filtration system for Melbourne Sea Life.

Choosing The Right Aquarium Equipment

Aquarium equipment is generally concealed above, below, or in a back room away from the tank itself. The extensive array of equipment required to maintain a successful aquarium is often underestimated.

A basic tank typically includes lighting, water aeration, mechanical filtration (such as mesh to remove small particles), and biological filtration (like bio balls or porous ceramic material). Advanced aquariums may feature full computer control systems, medical-style dosing pumps, ozone generators, UV sterilizers, and sophisticated LED lighting systems that accurately mimic the sun’s intensity and spectrum throughout the day.

At RedFin, we utilize only the highest quality aquarium components. Stability is crucial in maintaining a healthy aquarium, and reliable, user-friendly support equipment is essential for sustaining this stability.


Quality Control

RedFin’s dedicated quality control management team ensures that every component, from water chillers sourced in Italy to PVC plumbing from Germany and acrylic panels from China, undergoes rigorous testing before being used in any project. Our strict quality control inspections guarantee that each component meets our high standards of excellence.

Final quality control inspections on a large acrylic aquarium.


Acrylic Aquarium Construction

For aquariums exceeding 1 meter in height, RedFin employs poly(methyl methacrylate), commonly known as acrylic. Various brands, including Plexiglas, Lucite, Acrylite, and Perspex, offer acrylic sheets with distinct properties.

Some of the benefits of acrylic aquariums are:

  • Visual clarity. Acrylic if far clearer than glass and, unlike glass, has no green/blue tint.

  • Safety and durability. Acrylic is far more resistant and less likely to be damaged under impact than glass.

  • Refraction. Acrylic will distort less than glass when viewing through bends or curves. Acrylic has almost the same index of refraction as water. This means less distortion of what is in your tank. What you see is the actual size and colour of your fish and the decorations in the aquarium.

  • Scratching. Like any material, acrylic will scratch if not properly taken care of. However, unlike glass, an acrylic tank can be buffed out to remove any imperfections that might happen over time. Acrylic can be restored to optical clarity by polishing (unlike glass aquariums).

  • Weight. Acrylic is lighter and stronger than glass and can withstand much higher impacts.

  • Bonds. Acrylic is chemically bonded at the joints to form one solid piece.

  • Shapes. Acrylic can be easily cut, bent and formed into exotic shapes.


Aquarium Installation

RedFin has installed aquariums in over 25 countries worldwide. Our aquarium construction team ensures seamless installation at any location, setting up the custom aquariums and life support systems correctly for their inhabitants.

Expertise in Fish Tank Construction

RedFin is one of the leader in the fish tank construction industry. Designing and building a custom fish tank involves understanding both the biological needs of aquatic life and the technical requirements for maintaining a stable environment. Our team of aquarium builders is committed to creating tanks that are visually stunning and optimized for the health and well-being of your fish.

Custom Fish Tank Builders

As custom fish tank builders, we tailor each project to meet the specific needs of our clients. Whether you need a small, elegant tank for an office or a large, intricate display for a public space, our team works closely with you to bring your vision to life. We ensure that every custom aquarium fits perfectly in its intended space.

Advanced Techniques in Aquarium Construction

Our fish tank builders employ the latest techniques and materials, including high-quality acrylics, reliable filtration systems, advanced lighting, and water quality monitoring technologies. By staying at the forefront of aquarium construction innovations, we provide our clients with the best products and services available.

Comprehensive Support and Maintenance

At RedFin, building a custom fish tank is just the beginning. We offer comprehensive support and maintenance services to keep your aquarium in top condition. Our experts provide regular maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and offer advice to ensure your tank thrives. This ongoing support is a key aspect of our commitment to being one of the top custom fish tank builders in the industry.

Sustainable Fish Tank Construction

Sustainability is a core value at RedFin. We use environmentally friendly materials and practices in all our projects. From energy-efficient lighting systems to eco-friendly filtration solutions, we strive to minimize our environmental impact while delivering exceptional custom aquariums.