A contractor informed us about a client in Newport Coast who was interested in a custom aquarium installation. The aquarium would serve as a unique focal point, dividing the gymnasium from the recreation and lounge space while creating a calming, resort-like atmosphere.
After meeting with the client and their design team, we assessed the space and determined the ideal dimensions and specifications for the aquarium. Given the client’s desire to showcase a wide variety of marine animals and coral species, we recommended a mixed-reef aquarium system that would provide the flexibility and biological capacity to support diverse marine life.
The initial planning phase involved exploring various aquarium sizes, equipment requirements, and budget considerations. Once all parameters were agreed upon, we provided detailed technical drawings to clearly outline the design scope and ensure alignment with the overall architectural vision for the space.
The space was carefully prepared to accommodate the substantial weight and infrastructure requirements of the 700-gallon aquarium. Structural reinforcement was completed, and precise measurements were taken to ensure perfect integration with the surrounding architecture. The location between the gymnasium and lounge area required careful coordination with other construction elements to create seamless transitions on both sides of the installation.
With the aquarium in place, our team began the critical aquascaping phase. Dry rock structures were carefully arranged to create a natural reef formation that would serve as the foundation for the living reef ecosystem. This phase requires both artistic vision and technical expertise to ensure proper water flow, coral placement zones, and fish territories while creating visual depth and interest from multiple viewing angles.
The rock structure was designed with caves, overhangs, and plateaus to accommodate different coral growth patterns and provide shelter for fish and invertebrates. Every placement was strategic, considering both aesthetic appeal and the biological requirements of the future reef inhabitants.
The technical heart of the aquarium lies in its sophisticated filtration system. A high-performance protein skimmer removes organic waste before it can break down, while a bio-reactor provides biological filtration to process ammonia and nitrites. Additional equipment includes circulation pumps for water movement, heating and cooling systems for temperature stability, and automated monitoring to maintain optimal water parameters.
All equipment was carefully selected and configured to handle the demands of a 700-gallon mixed reef system. The system was designed with redundancy for critical components, ensuring the safety and health of the marine life even in the event of equipment issues.
After all equipment was installed and tested, the aquarium was filled with saltwater and the biological cycling process began. This critical establishment period took approximately two weeks and involved building beneficial bacterial colonies that process fish waste and maintain water quality. During this time, water parameters were closely monitored and adjusted to create the ideal environment for introducing corals and fish.
Once the system was fully cycled and stable, the aquarium was ready to receive its first inhabitants, marking the transition from construction project to living reef ecosystem.
The completed 700-gallon mixed reef aquarium now serves as a breathtaking focal point between the gymnasium and lounge area. From the lounge perspective, guests can relax while watching the hypnotic movement of fish and corals. From the gymnasium side, the aquarium provides a serene focal point during workouts, bringing the calming influence of nature into the fitness space.
This installation successfully creates a natural room divider while maintaining visual connection between spaces, providing a calming, meditative element in an active fitness environment while showcasing a diverse collection of colorful corals and marine fish.
A 700-gallon mixed reef aquarium serves as a stunning focal point, dividing a gymnasium and recreation lounge area in this Newport Coast residence. This custom installation creates a relaxing atmosphere while showcasing a diverse collection of marine life, transforming two functional spaces into an integrated wellness and entertainment environment.
Newport Coast is an affluent coastal community in Newport Beach, known for its hillside estates, ocean views, and proximity to world-class amenities including Crystal Cove State Park and Pelican Hill Resort. This exclusive neighborhood offers residents privacy and luxury, making it an ideal setting for high-end custom aquarium installations.
700-Gallon Saltwater Mixed Reef Aquarium
This custom-designed mixed reef aquarium houses a diverse collection of corals, fish, and invertebrates, creating a vibrant and dynamic underwater ecosystem. As a mixed reef system, it combines the beauty of colorful soft and hard corals with carefully selected fish species, providing visual interest from every angle while serving as an architectural room divider.