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From Survey to First Fish

A custom aquarium project moves through six steps. Timing varies a lot with size, type and the space, so we put the schedule in writing with the quote. The one constant is that the water needs a few weeks to mature biologically; rush it and fish die.

Steps
Six, from Survey to Handover
Schedule
Written Into the Quote
Approval
Nothing Is Built Before Drawings Are Approved
Cycling
A Few Weeks

1. Survey

We measure on site and check the floor and structure, sockets and circuit, water and drainage, sunlight, service clearance and where the aquarium will be seen from. What we need from you: photos, approximate size, what you want from the aquarium and any architectural drawings. For projects outside Istanbul or abroad, the first meeting is by video call.

2. Drawings and Quote

Dimensioned drawings with external sizes, glass thickness, cabinet and sump, equipment list, lighting plan and livestock suggestions. The quote is itemised so you can see what each part is and why it was chosen.

3. Build

Low-iron glass is cut to size, edges are finished and joints bonded with silicone. After curing, the aquarium is flood-tested. Cabinet and sump are built from the same set of measurements while the equipment is sourced and tested.

4. Installation

The aquarium is moved into place, levelled and plumbed. Filtration, heating, lighting and hardscape go in; the first fill and leak check happen in front of you.

5. Cycling

New water has none of the bacteria that process waste. Over a few weeks the water completes its nitrogen cycle; we test, add the first livestock once values settle and increase numbers in stages. Early algae and cloudiness are normal. For corals in a marine aquarium this takes longer.

6. Handover and Care

You receive care notes, feeding and lighting schedules. With a service contract, regular visits begin; we recommend weekly care for most aquariums, with an optional report of readings and photos after each visit.

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Questions

Common Questions

How Long Does the Whole Project Take?

It depends on size, aquarium type, cabinet work and whether the space is ready, so rather than quote a general figure we write the schedule into each quote.

Can You Renovate My Existing Aquarium?

Yes. We can redo the hardscape and planting, replace equipment or convert freshwater to planted. On the first visit we tell you what can stay.

Enquiries

Send Us a Measurement and a Photo.

Send the rough dimensions of the space and a photo. We will reply with a first assessment and the next step.