We completed this custom aquarium project while the client’s home was under construction, presenting a unique opportunity for seamless architectural integration. The client wanted a dramatic focal point for their dining room, and after meeting on site to discuss design goals and budget parameters, we provided detailed elevations and comprehensive quotes for the system. This mid-construction installation strategy offered significant advantages over post-construction retrofitting, allowing us to coordinate structural support, plumbing access, and electrical systems directly with the home’s construction team.
The aquarium framework arrived on site carefully wrapped in protective covering to prevent damage during the active construction environment. Our team worked closely with the general contractor to coordinate installation timing, ensuring that the aquarium placement occurred at the optimal point in the construction sequence—after structural framing and major systems were in place, but before final finishes that could be planned around the aquarium’s exact positioning.
The aquarium build took approximately six weeks to complete at our facility, with about ten days dedicated to on-site installation and system integration. The comprehensive filtration system installed beneath the aquarium includes industrial-grade protein skimmers, multiple media reactors for chemical and biological filtration, high-capacity circulation pumps, dosing equipment for maintaining stable water chemistry, and temperature control systems. All plumbing connections, electrical systems, and control equipment were installed with future maintenance accessibility in mind, visible through the custom black-framed stand with viewing panels.
Following system installation and the critical cycling process, we began the careful process of introducing corals and fish over subsequent weeks and months. The aquarium now showcases a diverse collection of reef corals creating dramatic purple and pink formations against the sandy substrate, with live rock arranged to create caves, overhangs, and open swimming spaces. As with any living reef system, full maturation takes time, but this tank is currently well-stocked and thriving, with corals showing strong polyp extension and vibrant coloration. The integrated architectural lighting system provides the intense illumination required for coral photosynthesis while creating dramatic ambient lighting for the dining room, with programmable LED fixtures that simulate natural sunrise and sunset transitions.
This beautiful 500-gallon mixed reef aquarium serves as a dramatic focal point in a Newport Beach dining room, seamlessly integrated into the home’s architectural design during new construction. The custom woodwork was designed to match the room’s sophisticated color palette, creating a cohesive aesthetic that feels both intentional and organic. The client loves how the aquarium adds vibrant color, constant movement, and illuminates the entire space with a soft, oceanic glow—creating a captivating view to the sea that transforms everyday dining into an immersive experience.
Newport Beach is one of Southern California’s most prestigious coastal communities, renowned for its stunning harbor, world-class beaches, and sophisticated waterfront lifestyle. This exclusive Orange County city offers residents an unparalleled combination of natural beauty and upscale living, with pristine beaches, yacht clubs, and some of the region’s finest dining and shopping destinations. The coastal elegance and refined aesthetic of Newport Beach perfectly complement high-end custom aquarium installations that bring the beauty of the ocean indoors.
500-Gallon Saltwater Mixed Reef Aquarium
This custom-designed mixed reef aquarium showcases a thriving collection of colorful corals and peaceful fish species, creating a vibrant and dynamic underwater ecosystem. The installation was specifically designed to serve as the architectural centerpiece of the dining room, providing an ever-changing display of marine life that captivates guests and enhances the home’s sophisticated coastal aesthetic. The substantial 500-gallon capacity allows for a diverse reef community with ample space for coral growth and fish territories.