Typically we find aquariums placed against walls. It’s convenient, it keeps them out of the way, and it’s generally a safe move in regards to the decor. On occasion you can come across peninsula or room dividers, but I must say rarely are they done well. Here are three unique installs from Tojo located in [...]
Typically we find aquariums placed against walls. It’s convenient, it keeps them out of the way, and it’s generally a safe move in regards to the decor. On occasion you can come across peninsula or room dividers, but I must say rarely are they done well. Here are three unique installs from Tojo located in Tokyo, Japan.
They are not shocking, but overall they are done well. Tojo specializes in “corporate” aquarium maintenance, installation and rentals. As such two of the three examples are in places of business. These set ups are rather simple, but provide a design & style that differs from what we see in the US and Europe. By design terms they do not fit into pure modernism, but they are simple, streamlined and clean–Enjoy.
The Pedestal
Aquariums are pieces of art, and should be treated as such. By having the aquarium completely out in the open it allows viewing from all sides and allows us the opportunity to walk around and observe the inhabitants. If designed properly aquariums can be strong enough in looks to be placed floating in a room like an island or pedestal.
With a floating install, electrical outlets underneath are a must! Don’t add unnecessary clutter with extension cords. I also love the modular T-Slotted Aluminum frames. They are lightweight, strong, and completely customizable.
The Aquarium is a 700mm (~28″) rimless cube
The aquascape mimics the vein like shape of many pinnacles found in the ocean. It hides the overflow adequately, while taking advantage of the cube shape.
A solid color would be much more appealing than the faux marble, but still a job well done.
In Wall with a Twist – Alcoves
Living downtown, dedicated “fish rooms” are not much of an option. Even in places where they are, I am not a big fan. They do offer benefits, but I am all for efficient and compact–going through walls is not always needed. Our 90g is in a deep alcove that allows complete viewing around the tank, but to be honest it’s one odd alcove. Rarely will you find something similar, except for a few rehabbed lofts here and there. This fresh water display is in a depression that is much more common in traditional homes. It’s a terrific example of how an otherwise unused space can become the highlight of not only the room but the entire house.
Once again the T-frame aluminum is used on a rimless display.
On this system the lighting is all on your typical line voltage track. The three spotlights are actually metal halides with an internal ballast. They screw straight into any standard medium base socket. Unfortunately due to a patent issue between two major manufacturers we will likely never see these in the United States. The blue lights are LED spotlights, used for aesthetics. In Japan these are very popular in conjunction with Superkaru spotlights.
Job well done again. With no images of the final skin used on the stand I cannot nit pick much.
The Conversation Piece
This last example is not very applicable to homes, but shows how an aquarium can be framed within a room. It gives a great example of large advanced aquariums integrated in every day life spaces.
Shown below is the glass entrance and lobby prior to the aquarium’s placement. This is one of the few examples that can get away with placing an aquarium in front of a window.
The display tank is 3000mm wide by 600mm deep and 800mm tall. As you probably noticed by the stand above, the aquarium does have curved ends making acrylic the obvious choice. One, Two, Three Lift!
Fast forward a bit and we have the plumbing completed and the early aquascape. This inital rock layout is much more attractive than the final result. Often times less is more.
What really makes this tank is the lighting. In addition to the 3×250 DE Metal Halides, the aquarium is surrounded by 13 blue LED track spotlights and 2×150w Metal Halide SPAX fixtures utilizing Superkaru lamps. While the Metal Halide’s do add in useable light to the corals the blue lamps are nothing more then pretty mood lighting.
They highlight the tank with a neon blue glow and bring the aquarium and stand to life. 13 lamps is quite a lot, but considering they are not on all day and each pull less than 4 watts, the electric draw is not as bad as you would think. Also worth noting, the 250w halide fixtures have adjustable “Barn Doors” that keep light from spilling into the room. Unlike traditional barn doors these are also reflective.
Kudos to Tojo for the matching seating next to the aquarium. If you cannot sit and enjoy your aquarium, then something is wrong.
These three aquariums are not that special in regards to individual components, but they are well thought out and well designed. Hopefully they will provide you with fresh ideas in regards to aquarium placement, lighting and design.
