Sealife Konstanz aquarium refurbishment
ATL has recently been involved with the SEALIFE Konstanz aquarium refurbishment
Over 24 years ago the ATL team delivered a new SEALIFE project in Konstanz, Germany. After welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors every year to the aquarium since then, it was decided to revamp the facility to provide an upgraded visit. The site closed for several months to allow for the Sealife Konstanz aquarium refurbishment to take place. ATL secured the contract to provide the specialist waterproofing, sealing and theming work scope for this amazing project.
As with most public aquaria the main exhibit is the deep ocean display. The ocean tank was drained down to enable significant remedial works to be undertaken to the concrete structure.
Demolition of the original ocean tank theming in progress
These essential works provided us the opportunity to remove all of the old window seals and once the tank resurfacing was completed, our team applied a new two colour GRP lining system to protect the tank structure. Within the floor lining we incorporated a special texture to provide enhanced lighting effects from above. We then set about injecting new seals for all of the acrylic viewing panels including the vertical cylinder panorama view and the 180 degree walk through tunnels.
Removing the acrylic panorama viewing panel in Sealife Konstanz
Inevitably after years of successful operation many of the aquariums windows were showing signs of surface scratches and abrasions, so all of the acrylic viewing panels were cosmetically polished to bring them back up to ‘as new’ condition.
ATL polished hemisphere viewing panel
ATLs team of artists and creatives then went about their usual magic making, creating the sea at night ocean tank scenery as well as shipwreck ribs and panels, UV enhanced artificial corals, pinnacles, atolls, underwater archways whilst incorporating a turtle haul out ramp and nest box!
Theming in progress in Konstanz ocean tank
The resealed and cosmetically polished tunnel
The refurbished panorama view provides an excellent across tank viewing opportunity
Opening night in the ATL refurbished ocean tunnel
In parallel to the works in the main ocean tank, it was decided to refurbish some of the other major displays. The penguin exhibit land area was recoated and the acrylic windows polished returning it all back to tip top condition.
New epoxy coating for the penguins
The refurbished penguin exhibit
The penguins enjoying their refurbished home
We also took the opportunity to replace the original glass viewing panels with stunning new acrylic windows and re theming tanks to complement the rest of the site.
Before – glass panels
After – glass replaced with acrylic
All other tank windows were polished during the refurbishment
The ray tank was next to be fully refurbished ensuring it fitted seamlessly alongside the rest of the sea at night themed visitor walk through.
We were tasked to design and fabricate an upgraded self supporting acrylic anti touch screen to the top of the ray tank
This proved a great success and replaced the unsightly installed support structure with shiny new marine grade stainless steel brackets and curved acrylics.
New self supporting ray tank screens were formed and installed by ATL
Another major part of the Sealife Konstanz aquarium refurbishment project was the redevelopment of the rock pool zone which meant the old style rock pools needed to be removed.
The old style rock pool exhibit was removed as part of the revamp
We then set about designing and manufacturing a bespoke series of rock pool displays. Working closely with the clients husbandry and branding teams was key to delivering a new approach to the ever popular rock pool displays.
The rockpools nearing completion
Being able to provide realistic habitats for the creatures, whilst bringing the visitors up close enough to immerse them in the fascinating world of the rockpools typically found around coastal regions was of prime importance.
ATL rockpools displays in Konstanz
All of the tanks were seamlessly themed with the theming extended to the surrounding walls incorporating state of the art interpretation and interactive screens. These new generation rock pool tanks tick all of the boxes and we are very pleased with all of the positive feedback.
The new style rockpools include interactive screens
Enjoying ATLs rockpools in Konstanz
SEALIFE Konstanz new interactives proving to be popular
Undoubtedly an aquarium refurbishment of this scale is operationally disruptive but with plenty of forward planning, co ordination and coupled with a flexible and adaptable team approach the end results speak for themselves. Working closely alongside the clients operational and creative teams brought demonstrable benefits and success to this project. We have no doubt that SEALIFE Konstanz will continue to be a success and welcoming visitors for the next 20+ years. The ATL team is proud to have played a major part in this project. For more details visit
