The client sought our expertise to determine how he could display the fish he caught throughout Baja California in his home. After discussing design parameters and budget, the client decided on an acrylic bowfront aquarium that could be viewed from different areas of his living room and kitchen. The client was interested in a simple aquascape design that would allow ample space to house larger specimens. To avoid any noise from filtration equipment, the filtration was placed outside of the home, making the aquarium 100 percent silent—a critical consideration for maintaining the sophisticated ambiance of the Mediterranean-style living space.
The client sought our expertise to determine how he could display the fish he caught throughout Baja California in his home. After discussing design parameters and budget, the client decided on an acrylic bowfront aquarium that could be viewed from different areas of his living room and kitchen. The client was interested in a simple aquascape design that would allow ample space to house larger specimens. To avoid any noise from filtration equipment, the filtration was placed outside of the home, making the aquarium 100 percent silent—a critical consideration for maintaining the sophisticated ambiance of the Mediterranean-style living space.
We took advantage of the hollow area behind the wall to inset the aquarium, creating a seamless architectural integration. The wall was opened up, exposing the future aquarium space. Due to the substantial weight of a 1000-gallon system—accounting for water, acrylic, rockwork, and equipment—a reinforced cement slab foundation was poured. Plumbing and filtration lines were incorporated to allow for remote filtration placement. A custom steel stand was constructed, and comprehensive drainage and plumbing pipes were installed to connect the display aquarium with the external equipment room.
After 12 weeks of precision aquarium manufacture, the custom bowfront acrylic tank was ready for delivery. This was indeed a very heavy aquarium, requiring meticulous planning and precise handling to navigate into the very limited installation space. The delivery took place through the home’s courtyard, with the aquarium carefully wrapped and protected for transport against the stunning Mediterranean architecture.
Our installation team coordinated the complex process of maneuvering the substantial 1000-gallon structure through doorways, around architectural columns, and into its final position within the wall cavity. This phase required exceptional care and precision, as the bowfront acrylic aquarium needed to be perfectly aligned within the prepared opening while maintaining the integrity of both the aquarium and the surrounding Mediterranean architectural elements.
The aquarium filtration system was designed specifically for temperate species requirements and remote operation. The system includes a large wet-dry filter providing extensive surface area for nitrifying bacteria to process ammonia and nitrites—the foundation of biological filtration. A large protein skimmer removes dissolved organic compounds before they can degrade water quality, while an ozonizer further oxidizes organic material and increases redox potential for exceptional water clarity. The centerpiece of the temperate system is a three-horsepower chiller that maintains the aquarium water at a constant 60 degrees Fahrenheit—essential for replicating the cooler coastal waters where these California and Baja species naturally thrive.
With all equipment installed remotely and the system fully cycled, the aquarium was ready to receive its inhabitants—native California and Baja species personally caught by the client during his yacht expeditions. The completed installation showcases schools of Pacific sardines and other temperate species swimming through the simple, spacious aquascape. The living room remains completely silent as the sophisticated life support systems operate continuously from their remote location, while the custom bowfront display brings the cool, clear waters of the California coast into the heart of this elegant Newport Beach home.
This Newport Beach client was interested in a large aquarium display for his main living room to house and admire the native California and Baja California species caught from his yacht. The unique temperate system showcases local marine life in a stunning custom bowfront design, viewable from multiple areas of the living room and kitchen. The client’s vision of bringing the coastal waters of Baja directly into his home has been realized through this exceptional 1000-gallon installation featuring a completely silent operation through innovative remote filtration design.
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—and in this case, specifically the cooler waters of the California and Baja coastline.
1000-Gallon Saltwater Temperate Aquarium
This custom-designed temperate aquarium represents a departure from typical tropical reef installations, instead showcasing the remarkable marine life native to California and Baja California waters. Unlike tropical systems that require heated water in the 75-80°F range, temperate aquariums maintain cooler temperatures around 60°F to replicate the natural habitat of Pacific coast species. This specialized system allows the client to display fish personally caught during yacht expeditions, creating a living collection that tells the story of his adventures along the Baja coastline. The bowfront acrylic design provides an immersive viewing experience from multiple angles while the simple aquascaping allows ample swimming space for larger specimens.