ADVANCED AQUARIUM TECHNOLOGIES

COMPANY PROFILE

Advanced Aquarium Technologies

Building a world-class aquarium is not only an opportunity to develop a profitable and exciting investment, it creates an
experience capable of inspiring, educating and thrilling thousands of visitors for years to come.
For almost twenty years AATs focus has been on pioneering the techniques and technologies required to design and build ever
more inspiring, enlightening and sustainable aquariums all over the world.
Global Office Locations
AUSTRALIA
HONG KONG
CHINA
General Enquiries
+61 7 5476 5300
admin@advanced-aquariums.com

During this time AAT has had the opportunity to put its methods and equipment to work in some of the worlds best aquariums
and zoological facilities. Like Den Bl Planet, for example, Denmarks brand new USD $130million National Aquarium in
Copenhagen with an award winning, nature inspired design by architects 3XN that took home the best exhibit award at the
2013 World Architecture Festival.
Central to AATs approach and business model is the belief that an aquariums success rests on the knowledge, inventiveness,
craftsmanship and components used to create its infrastructure. AATs extensive Start-to-Finish capability ensures that the
infrastructure is built to deliver the maximum possible value to an aquariums portfolio of diverse stakeholders.

www.advanced-aquariums.com

John Langmead
Managing Director

- The installations that form the basis for any operation or system
- The basic, underlying framework or features of a system or organisation
- The fundamental facilities and systems serving a country, city or building

PLANNING PHASE 1.0

CREATION PHASE 2.0

CONCEPT
DEVELOPMENT
SERVICE

CONSTRUCT
& INSTALL
SERVICE

SKETCH &
SCHEMATIC
SERVICE

LIFE
SUPPORT
SYSTEMS

DESIGN &
ENGINEERING
SERVICE

LIVESTOCK
SOURCING &
RELOCATION

START
TO FINISH

OPERATION PHASE 3.0

COMMISSION,
TRAINING &
HANDOVER

AQUARIUM
OPERATIONS
SERVICE

REPAIR,
RESTORATION &
REFURBISHMENT

START
TO
FINISH
AATs Start-to-Finish service offers clients a turnkey
solution that relieves the complexities involved in
the project cycle of building a world class aquarium.
Benefiting investors, architects, governments,
and developers engaged in creating or operating
an aquarium. AAT offer solutions and project
management of the aquarium backed by years of
experience and expertise.

The AAT Start-to-Finish model integrates our entire portfolio of capabilities into
a single turnkey service.
AATs Start-to-Finish aquarium service allows the delivery a world class aquarium, and provides peace-of-mind
through the planning, construction and operating phases by placing the project in AATs safe and experienced
hands at every stage along the journey. AATs team of skilled and talented specialists create a customised
critical path schedule, project management system and apply specialist construction and installation methods
that will carry your aquarium on its journey from dream to reality through the three major phases of development:
PLANNING PHASE 1.0
The first phase in the development of an aquarium answers all of the feasibility and pricing question
through to developed design and engineering models.
CREATION PHASE 2.0
The second phase focuses on the physical construction of the aquarium, supply and installation of all of
its systems and equipment, filling the tanks and stocking them with animals.
OPERATION PHASE 3.0
The third phase involves the operation and maintenance of the aquarium. This includes the steps
involved in handing the aquarium over from construction to the aquariums owners and operators,
included in this phase are services relating refurbishment and renovation.
Individual services that are required to deliver an aquarium through the phases of the AAT Start-to-Finish
service are broken down through the following sections of this booklet.

CONCEPT
DEVELOPMENT
SERVICE
It starts with a simple idea, building an aquarium.
Whether an iconic feature for a major shopping mall
development, a signature feature for a luxurious
hotel, a research facility in a University, an uplifting
exhibit for a hospital or a nations major aquatic
attraction, AATs Concept Development Service
will answer the myriad of questions that quickly
follow such an idea and outline the feasibility and
investment potential that building an inspiring and
commercially viable aquarium can deliver.

Support and guidance for detailed feasibility, scoping and idea generation in
very early stages.
Aquariums are an inspiring and enlightening experience, the intricacies involved can become daunting for those without
experience in building or managing one.
Is it really possible? What would it take and could it be viable? Is the area large enough? Are aquariums hard to manage?
Who and how many people will come? How do you design and build an aquarium? These are just some of the questions
that arise in the early stages of an aquarium development.
With extensive experience and expertise in designing, building, operating and maintaining some of the worlds largest
aquariums around the globe for almost twenty years, AATs Concept Development Service is for anybody thinking about
the feasibility and initial designs of an aquarium. Assisting investors, planners, architects, governments and developers
the Concept Development Service creates a realistic vision ensuring that the feasibility study is appropriately structured,
scoped and informed.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0

SKETCH &
SCHEMATIC
SERVICE
The AAT Sketch & Schematic Service benefits
architects, designers and visionaries by offering
expert knowledge that taps into the latest and most
advanced aquarium technologies so that they can
push the boundaries of innovation and realise their
creative dreams, without compromising the efficiency
and effectiveness of the aquarium infrastructure,
operations and life support systems.

Push the boundaries of creativity and imagination with confidence through

early access to innovative technical expertise.
AAT works closely with architects, developers, government agencies, town planners, major hotel and resort owners, and
investors all over the world on the design of new aquariums and by doing so have collaborated with some of the largest
architectural companies in the world, like 3XN, Foster & Partners and Boltshauser.
The Sketch & Schematic Service assists architects in particular by:

Giving access to the technical expertise they need to cater for the unique space and engineering requirements
of a world class aquarium.

Identify and cater for common pitfalls early so they dont become a problem later.

Push the boundaries of engineering to enable innovation that matters for visitors including unique viewing
experiences, educational capabilities and research potential.

Explore ways for the aquarium to achieve high standards in environmental performance.

Create unique and exciting visitor experiences (above and below the water line).

AATs network of strategic partners includes talented architects experienced in the design and construction of aquariums.
Connecting clients with skilled architects in collaboration with AAT, the Sketch & Schematic Service will explore potential
designs and concepts and deliver the initial vision of a world class aquarium and the visitors journey.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0

DESIGN &
ENGINEERING
SERVICE
AATs expertise in aquarium construction isnt
purely theoretical, its backed by years of hand-on
experience designing, constructing and delivering
aquariums around the world.
This experience has enabled AAT to build a team and
company focused on practicing the best techniques
to design and engineer aquariums that will
seamlessly flow through the many phases involved
in the construction and installation process.

Technical engineering and construction specifications for the primary and

augmented infrastructure.
The Design & Engineering Service is a critical step towards creating an efficient world class system designed to provide
longevity, economical operating costs and low maintenance requirements in an aquarium.
Water is a tricky substance. In addition to its tremendous weight, water is corrosive to metal, breeds bacteria effortlessly,
is able to convey toxic minerals long distances and will try to escape whatever vessel contains it. With the expertise that
AAT can bring in developing world class systems, the Design & Engineering Service will resolve the unique engineering
and specification challenges for architecture and construction companies working on buildings that will contain millions
of litres water, and thousands of precious marine animals.
Without compromising on safety and durability, AATs team will design and engineer the fundamental elements that
create a marine ecosystem best suited for the animals living in the aquarium, meanwhile, incorporating vast acrylic
viewing windows and acrylic features for an inspiring and surreal underwater viewing experience.
Acrylic manufacturing techniques are constantly evolving and enabling ever more creativity from underwater tunnels
and walkways to domes and underwater experiences. In 2014 AAT enabled The Cube Oceanarium, at Seaside City in
Chengdu, China, to declare itself the proud owner of the worlds largest acrylic panel, at 40 meters long and 8.3 meters
high, and awarded two Guinness World Records.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0

CONSTRUCT
& INSTALL
SERVICE
Building an aquarium from design to completion
is a niche industry requiring a highly experienced
workforce, and a range of specialised skills and tools.
AAT has assembled one of the most experienced
team of experts in this field and created the global
supply chain required to complete the construction
on time, on budget and to the highest international
standards.

Expert coordination and a combination of on-site and prefabricated techniques

coupled with proven global sourcing and logistics.
AATs Construct and Install Service is built on a carefully coordinated combination of on-site construction combined with
prefabricated system installation, coupled with proven global sourcing of suppliers and products, and a global network of
logistic services. Unique requirements of constructing and installing the range of specialist equipment include assembling
highly sophisticated Life Support Systems to a diverse range of exhibit tanks throughout the aquarium.
The margin for error for this work is staggeringly small, and the cost of failure staggeringly high. Quality assurance,
knowledge and skill is everything.
PROPRIETARY ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION & INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES
AATs Construct and Install capabilities enable us to lead, coordinate and deploy teams of highly skilled specialists to
aquarium construction sites anywhere in the world. AAT are leaders in the specialist aquarium services and through years
of experience have developed proprietary techniques in specialist waterproofing processes, tank construction methods,
and LSS equipment installation.
Wherever possible and practical, AAT trains and nurtures its own talent. AATs team leaders and specialist workers
include veteran AAT employees who share a common philosophy around the best way to get the job done to the highest
standards.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0

CREATION PHASE 2.0

PREFABRICATED LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Traditional processes for tank construction and Life Support System assembly involves amassing a wide range of
specialists and sub-contractors to do the work on-site.
AATs experience in the industry allows us to design aquariums that recognise and reduce the resources and operational
costs required to operate such a facility. Life Support Systems may be acquired individually and installed on-site or
shipped as a pre-assembled unit from the manufacturing facility in China.
With a dedicated fabrication facility located in Guangzhou, home to a team of 60 AAT personnel, comprising skilled
tradesmen and technicians trained to world class AAT standards. This is also the base for AATs international team of
engineers, manufacturing experts and experienced internationals from Australia, China, Japan, NZ, Spain, South Africa,
USA and United Kingdom.
SPECIALIST WORKS IN AQUARIUM CONSTRUCTION
Other services required to build an aquarium include specialist waterproofing, aquarium lighting systems, rockwork and
artificial scenery design and delivery, and FRP tank supply and installation services for smaller exhibits or quarantine
tanks throughout the aquarium.
AATs team of specialists cover all of these fundamental processes and services throughout the construction phase and
can deliver a range of options that will meet budget requirements without compromising on creating an inspiring and
world class visitor experience.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0

CREATION PHASE 2.0

ACRYLIC VIEWING WINDOWS

On every new aquarium there is an opportunity to create inspiring design features. AATs vast experience and skills
working with acrylic ensures that ideas and concepts of exciting viewing experiences into the aquarium are turned into
reality. As acrylic is a very unique material, AAT have built a highly trained and experienced team that understand the
complexities of working with cast block acrylic by providing a full range thermoforming, bonding and annealing technology
to create unique panels for surreal underwater viewing.
AATs installation experience and expertise is second to none, which is why AAT was contracted to install the worldrecord-setting, 260 ton panel at Marine Life Park at Resort World Sentosa, Singapore in 2009.
LOGISTICS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Due to the complex nature of building an aquarium, project management and project programming is vital to delivering the
project on time for the grand opening, and paramount to delivering the aquarium within the clients budget requirements.
AATs clients can be assured of quality, time frames and world class standards being successfully met.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0

CREATION PHASE 2.0

LIFE
SUPPORT
SYSTEMS
The vital components of an aquarium is its Life
Support System (LSS) which is responsible for
the flow, chemical composition, cleanliness and
temperature. AAT designed aquariums have the LSS
bound into the design from the initial concept. The
relationship of key components of LSS plant and
treatment tanks to the aquarium itself is fundamental
to plant efficiency, operating cost and water quality.

Life Support Systems play a major role in enhancing the physical health and
wellbeing of the species in any aquarium.
The aquarium Life Support System (LSS) is not just another water treatment plant, in overall design and philosophy the
aquarium LSS is an inherent part of the living ecosystem and fundamentally different from a conventional pool filtration
plant. Aquariums require more than just water clarity. Water chemistry, system biology, component material, turnover
rate and even tank currents are all integral to the health of the system.
Many standard water treatment components are not suited to the biological nature of aquarium LSS, or the salt laden
environment. For this reason AAT have for many years designed, developed and manufactured our range of LSS
components. The range of LSS products include:

Foam Fractionators

UV Filters

Sand Filters

Ozone Generators

Multi-Function Bag Filters

Skid Mounted LSS Units

Titanium Heat Exchangers and Heat Pumps

To accelerate a project, reduce cost and ensure quality assurance, by pre-fabricating systems before arriving on-site not
only can the installation be smart, simple and efficient, the systems arrive tested and approved during the pre-assembly
process.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0

CREATION PHASE 2.0

LIVESTOCK
SOURCING &
RELOCATION
AATs Livestock Sourcing and Relocation Service
is designed to maximise the animals wellbeing at
every stage in the journey. To achieve this AAT have
created unique resources, and years of experience
has enabled the capability to have maximum control
and influence from the beginning to the end of this
journey following strict international guidelines and
expectations.

Responsibility requiring extreme sensitivity to the species needs and welfare at

every stage of what can be a lengthy and complex journey.
Entirely different from conventional fishing, precision harvesting of marine life involves marine biologists and divers with
extensive expertise in animal identification catching individual animals one at a time by hand or by hook. Using this
technique ensures no collateral damage, and on occasion lends itself to encounters with species in need of assistance.
Once recovered the animals are safely transferred as swiftly as possible, to larger onshore tanks at AATs aquaculture
and quarantine facility. Here AATs team of highly experienced aquarists monitor their welfare and introduce them into
their new environment.
Quarantine processes are more than a legal and compliance consideration. The export of fit and healthy disease free
animals is vital for their own welfare too, as they embark on a journey across the nation or even around the world. AAT
teams are well versed in the requirements of quarantine as well as the vital considerations of animal care and welfare.
AAT holds all of the necessary approvals, endorsements and licenses to acquire and export the marine animals required
by public aquariums for research, breeding and exhibition.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0

CREATION PHASE 2.0

COMMISSION,
TRAINING &
HANDOVER
Commissioning an aquarium is a sequence of
carefully coordinated events over time involving
many skills and disciplines including engineers,
plumbers, fitters, electricians, aquarists, marine
biologists and managers. Ultimately the process
confirms that the systems are safe and performing
as they should in accordance with their design and
specification.

One of the most important steps in the quality assurance program is to guide the
operation of the aquarium successfully into the future.
The AAT Commissioning, Training and Handover services comprises the technical commissioning of the aquarium
infrastructure and equipment as well as getting aquarium staff trained and oriented on all aspects of running, managing
and maintaining the facility.
The aquarium and Life Support System commissioning process is one of the most important steps in a quality assurance
program that begins many months earlier to ensure that all of the equipment is properly installed and fully operational. It
is also one of the most important moments in the handover of operational responsibility from construction to the owners
and operators.
It is important to recognise that this process takes many weeks to provide for curing times, filling the tanks, achieving the
appropriate water chemistry and confirming stable water quality, testing all plumbing, fixtures, fittings, equipment, and
introducing the species in an appropriate order and manner.
For years of reliable service, a thorough and successful commissioning procedure is in everyones best interests.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0 CREATION PHASE 2.0 OPERATION PHASE 3.0

AQUARIUM
OPERATIONS
SERVICE
AAT are world renowned for managing some of
the best aquariums efficiently and effectively, from
unique signature features to some of the largest
aquariums in the world. Outsourcing the technical
operations of the aquarium allows the client to
concentrate on the front of house requirements and
visitor experiences.

Peace of mind that comes from knowing that the aquarium is being operated
by the experts.
The Aquarium Operations Service enables aquarium owners and operators to contract many or all aspects of the
technical operational management to AAT. The service is flexible and modular by nature. Different owners and operators
have different preferences regarding which processes and responsibilities to keep in-house and which to out-source.
AAT is able to put together a bespoke portfolio of services for each individual client based on their circumstances, wants
and needs. This service can be provided anywhere in the world given appropriate lead times, and can potentially include
one or any combination of the following responsibilities:

Life Support System operator and maintenance

Exhibit cleaning and diving

Aquarist animal management

To ensure optimum conditions are met over the life of an aquarium, AAT can provide inspections and audit services
to existing aquariums that require maintenance and upgrades to life support systems, acrylic window refurbishment or
replacement, and general infrastructure and equipment optimisation. This service will provide a comprehensive report
including all technical findings with a proposed timetable of recommended actions and next steps.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0 CREATION PHASE 2.0 OPERATION PHASE 3.0

REPAIR,
RESTORATION &
REFURBISHMENT
Our services for restoration draw upon AATs proven
construction and installation capabilities, because
for larger projects there is considerable logistical
and reconstruction considerations, particularly
in the event that restoration work is coupled with
redesign and upgraded exhibits.

By upgrading and refurbishing exhibits, the aquarium will continue to attract

repeat visitors.
Modern construction techniques and aquarium technologies are constantly evolving and improving. Restoration and
refurbishment actions may be needed particularly in some of the older or more established facilities to increase footfall
and revenue.
Upgrading an existing aquarium not only allows for modern and efficient systems to be introduced, but also allows
exhibits and the journey through an aquarium to be upgraded, boosting visitor numbers and generate repeat customers
for many years. AATs Repair, Restoration & Refurbishment Service allows the project to be completed in a swift and
reliable manner using the latest and most robust technologies with minimal impact on the animals and visitors.
The proven construction and installation capabilities that AAT have delivered on large projects provide ease in the
considerable logistical and construction considerations of repair, restoration and refurbishment projects.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0 CREATION PHASE 2.0 OPERATION PHASE 3.0

Recent Global Projects

Cube Oceanarium
(Chengdu, China)

Den Bl Planet
(Copenhagen, Denmark)

Marine Life Park, Resort World

(Sentosa, Singapore)

Grand Aquarium, Ocean Park

(Hong Kong)

Year: 2013 - Current

Project value: $ 17,000,000

Year: 2009 - 2013

Project Value: $ 30,000,000

Year: 2010 - 2011

Project value: $ 11,000,000

Year: 2009 - 2010

Project value: $ 15,000,000

Aquarium specialist works including

waterproofing, life support systems supply
and installation, acrylic panel installation,
rock work and theming, FRP tanks, testing
and commissioning.

Aquarium specialist works including

waterproofing, life support systems supply
and installation, acrylic panel and tunnel
installation, rock work and theming, FRP
tanks, testing and commissioning.

Life support system design consultancy,

supply and on-site supervision along with
acrylic panel installations, including the
main tank panel.

Life support system design, supply and

installation, commissioning.

Global Office Locations

AUSTRALIA
HONG KONG
CHINA
General Enquiries
+61 7 5476 5300
admin@advanced-aquariums.com
www.advanced-aquariums.com