Summary: A restaurant aquarium can become a memorable feature, but choosing the right tank takes more thought than simply picking something that looks impressive. The location, size, style, maintenance and long-term requirements all need to be considered before installation.
A great fish tank can easily become the most talked-about feature in your restaurant. But over the years, we have seen business owners make the same mistakes time and time again.
Most of these headaches are incredibly easy to avoid. It all just comes down to a bit of basic planning before you buy.
There are a few things worth thinking about before choosing an aquarium, from where it will go and how large it needs to be, to how it will fit into the overall design and how you will look after it in the years to come. Here are five of the most common mistakes we see, and what to consider instead.
Choosing the Tank Before Choosing the Location
Nailing your aquarium’s location before buying the tank is the ultimate secret to restaurant design success.
Finding the best spot first ensures guests can see the tank, staff can clean it easily, and it fits the room perfectly. Planning the setup early prevents stressful problems and turns your aquarium into a beautiful attraction everyone will enjoy.
Assuming Bigger Is Always Better
People think a massive tank is the only way to wow people, but huge does not always mean better. We see smaller tanks steal the show, simply because they fit the layout perfectly. On the other side, a giant tank can easily take over a room and make the whole dining area feel cramped.
So you do not need to go huge to make an impact. The best tank is always the one that actually looks like it belongs in the room.
Forgetting About Maintenance
Every tank looks awesome on day one. The real test is how it looks six months later when the glass turns green, filters get dirty, and the water needs changing. This work is easy if you plan for it from the start. But many people forget about maintenance until they are stuck staring at a cloudy tank.
If you want a display that stays beautiful, you have to design the setup around how you are actually going to clean it.
Choosing the Wrong Style for the Restaurant
Not every aquarium suits every venue.
A bright reef aquarium packed with colour can look incredible in the right setting. In another restaurant, it might feel completely out of place.
The same applies to freshwater aquariums, planted displays and custom-built feature tanks. The aquarium should complement the overall style of the restaurant rather than compete with it.
When the design feels connected to the space, the result is usually far more successful.
Focusing Only on the Installation
When a new aquarium goes in, everyone is looking at how it looks. It can make a big difference to the restaurant and become a real feature of the space.
But the aquarium still has to look good months later. Filters need cleaning, equipment needs to be checked, and the tank needs regular care. If these things are left for too long, you will start to notice it. The glass can get dirty, the water
may not look as clear, and the whole tank can lose that fresh look it had when it was first installed.
The Best Aquarium Is One That Fits the Restaurant
The best restaurant aquariums are not necessarily the biggest, most expensive or most complicated.
They are the ones that suit the venue, remain easy to maintain and continue looking great long after the installation is complete.
At Atlantis and Co, we help restaurants across Melbourne design, install and maintain aquariums that are built for the long term, not just for opening day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Think about where the tank will go, how big it should be, and whether it will actually suit the restaurant.
Not always. A smaller tank can look just as good if it suits the space. A very large tank can sometimes make the dining area feel crowded.
Put it somewhere people will actually see it. Just make sure there is still enough room around the tank for your staff to clean it and carry out maintenance.
It is best to work out the location before you order or build the tank.
It really depends on the tank. A large aquarium with lots of fish and equipment will usually need more work than a smaller setup.
The tank needs regular cleaning, water changes and checks on the equipment. Keeping up with these things will help the aquarium stay clean and healthy.
Yes. The aquarium should complement the overall style of the restaurant rather than compete with it. The right choice will feel like part of the space rather than something added afterwards.
The installation is only the start. The aquarium will still need regular maintenance, working equipment and good filtration. It’s also worth thinking about how the tank will be looked after once it has been in the restaurant for a while.
Planning this from the start can save a lot of hassle later.