ATL are pleased to finally announce that the aquarium refurbishment of the Baltic Sea tank in the Kotka Maretarium is now complete. We were entrusted with this amazing aquarium refurbishment project after a successful tender bid to Kotka City. However despite a timely start our repair work scope suffered a series of major delays due to the global pandemic which denied us the opportunity of overseas travel.

It was way back in 2002 when the ATL team completed the original aquarium installation works. After nearly 20 years of successful operation the main exhibit the Baltic Sea tank was in need of our expert attention again. Operating an open air aquarium tank in Finland presents some significant operational conditions. Imagine the extremes of weather seen in a typical Finnish year! This harsh environment takes its toll on literally everything so the tank needed to undergo a full aquarium refurbishment process. The tank was drained down and the precious livestock rehoused. The biological filter bed was removed and all the original in tank decor was demolished and removed from the tank.

Demolition in progress

Literally everything needed to be lifted in and out of the tank in bags!

The tank is 10 meters diameter and 6 meters deep and a tank of this size is logistically challenging requiring everything to be lifted in and out of the workspace with a crane. This included the installation of a temporary roof over the tank to provide much needed weather protection allowing the ATL team to undertake removal of the ageing sealant around each of the acrylic windows.

ATL raising the roof!

The opportunity was taken to use this once in 20 year drain down to remove the original lining system and replace it with a new GRP composite waterproofing system. This provides an added layer of future proofing for the aquarium for at least the next 20 + years of service.

GRP lining of the Baltic Sea tank in Kotka

ATL GRP lining with a couple of our team used for scale

Post hydrotest -a quite unique view of the Baltic tank in Kotka

Once the new window seals had been injected the acrylic windows were polished returning them to near new condition. Our technician team did all of this work in preparation for the in tank decor teams arrival on site. As part of the aquarium refurbishment upgrade we were asked to furnish the aquarium using local reference stylized rock work for the aquarium back drop.

Local style tank decor

In addition we provided a historic timber ships bow wreck tank feature embedded in the rock to add further interest.

Carved Shipwreck feature decor Kotka

The decor teams completed the new decor and finally a new filter bed was installed, allowing the tank to be refilled and restocked. Back in May the aquarium could finally reopen with its full compliment of displays which coincided nicely with the lifting of major COVID restrictions.

Elsewhere around the aquarium we designed and installed some new feature displays to enhance the original tank population. A new kids head up dome display gives amazing views of eels and some new jewel tanks add interest to some forgotten corners of the aquarium. The opportunity was also used to upgrade some décor to enhance a few of the other original displays.

We are really proud of our team in diligently completing these aquarium refurbishment works under unpresented and extremely challenging conditions. We are so pleased with it how it went the results of which can be viewed here We would like to thank our friends at the Kotka Maretarium for their patience throughout this aquarium refurbishment project and wish them continued success for the next 20 years!

Tank back in action

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The decision made by the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, or ‘Brexit’ as it has become known, means that like other businesses operating in the UK, ATL is Brexit prepared for the changes that this decision might bring. In order to ensure that our business is sustainable, we have put plans in place to ensure the best outcome for our company and our customers as the transition away from EU membership takes place.

We have spent significant time reviewing what Brexit might mean for ATL and how this could affect our ability to support demand for our products. We have worked closely with external advisers and trade bodies to document our findings in a Brexit readiness assessment. Whilst the assessment highlights a number of potential risks, the overall conclusion is that, ATL is Brexit prepared and reasonably well positioned to mitigate risks based on the nature of the market sectors and geographies in which we operate. We have invested in our own internal material stocks to accommodate any short term peaks of demand. We have worked closely and taken measures with all of our key suppliers and trading partners to ensure we can access and maintain reasonable levels of stock throughout the transitional period. We have implemented measures to ensure the continued seamless transportation of our finished products to market throughout the coming period.

As ATL’ s business grows and evolves, we also hope to see more and more new business opportunities in territories that will in any event, remain largely unaffected by Brexit.

Of course we have no control of the governmental process, so we must remain vigilant and prepared for a number of Brexit scenarios. Based on the work already carried out we feel optimistic and ready for whichever of the potential Brexit scenarios may be realised.

We would like to take this opportunity to reassure all of our valued customers and business partners, that whatever the next few months bring, ATL will continue to offer a high quality product combined with unparalleled level of customer support and service. We hope any changes will be minimal but whatever happens, ATL is Brexit prepared. Whether working domestically, pan European or globally, ATL will strive to make each and every business transaction as seamless, simple and cost effective as its ever been.

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The success story continues in 2017 which has already seen ATL secure the next China contract. The ATL factory is positively buzzing right now with specialist display fabrication and construction works advancing quickly on a range of new aquarium displays for this latest Chinese project. ATL has secured the follow on contract to design, manufacture and export a series of stunning aquarium tanks into mainland China. The first of these tank shipments are currently undergoing hydro testing and will be leaving our factory very soon.

ATL are proven specialists at fast track aquarium builds and this project presents its own unique set of challenges. Some of the larger aquarium displays are being advanced through the production process to allow them to be delivered into site before major elements of the buildings infrastructure are put in place. The ATL team is able to approach this demand flexibly to ensure the project deadlines are met.

ATL works closely with the client teams throughout the production process to ensure that all of the displays meet the most exacting creative demands. This gives the creative teams the confidence of knowing that everything is exactly as they want it before arriving on site thousands of miles away.

Public aquariums are becoming increasingly popular in China and demand for ATL’s products remains high. The quality standard of ATL products is also extremely good and that quality combined with fast track responses to demands are key to our ongoing success in the Asian marketplace. ATL’s team prides itself on its flexibility to every project however large or small. With undeniable quality, speed of manufacture and competitive cost control on our side these attributes have firmly positioned ATL as leaders in aquarium technology.

More details of this and our other recent projects will follow soon.

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ATL aquarium products and projects were as varied as ever and at times challenging but this is what ATL do best. ATL successfully achieved everything from massive acrylic swimming pool viewing panel installations, beautiful zoo exhibits, complete refurbishment projects, stunning modern art containments, ambitious koi ponds and of course the highest quality aquarium tanks.

ATL aquarium products were used to complete the Rome aquarium build including the installation of the centralised life support filtration system. At the same time the team completing a hugely successful ocean tank refurbishment in SEALIFE Scarborough. Our work scope included lining, new viewing panels, a bespoke turtle haul out ramp and a completely new themed shipwreck and coral environment. A series of prefabricated aquarium tanks for the LEGOLAND Dubai project were soon in production all at the same time as the team were on site in the National SEALIFE in Birmingham installing a new acrylic walkway floor through the 360 degree cylindrical viewing tunnel. This was a technically demanding installation but of course our team achieved it with the utmost professionalism. That’s why ATL are the recognised and trusted leaders in aquarium technology!

Last summer saw ATL aquarium products and bespoke aquarium displays used for a new SEALIFE project in China. Later in the summer we were again busy designing, building and delivering tanks destined for a new project in Japan. This was quickly followed by a series of aquariums and large jellyfish display tanks for Jakarta aquarium in Indonesia.

2017 has seen ATL already finish a major ocean tank refurb as well as the UK’s newest penguin pool project on time and budget. The ATL team are on standby to complete the construction of a large sectional GRP composite plunge pool for a Cairo penguin project in Egypt. ATL’s highly experienced team of installers will be installing, assembling and glazing this together with the main tank acrylic viewing panels on site in the coming weeks.

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Earlier this year ATL secured a major contract to supply bespoke aquarium displays to a new project in China.

ATL has long been regarded as the leader in aquarium technology. ATL was selected to supply a series of high quality aquarium display tanks for a new public aquarium project. This latest ATL project was for the new SEALIFE project in Chongqing, China. Using our tried and trusted prefabricated display system meant the GRP composite tanks could be entirely prefabricated in ATL’s workshops here in Weymouth.

All ATL aquarium tanks comes complete with an integral plinth and includes intrinsic safety device, integral skimmer overflow/ weir box, pump pockets and associated pipework connection. All of these essential items are carefully disguised from the viewing side.

Each of the ATL aquarium tanks is fitted with a high quality flat or thermoformed acrylic viewing panel. A variety of blown pop up domes, spun cast cylinders and walk through underwater tunnels designed specifically for children add fun and also provide really close up views of the creatures.
ATL has their own in house thermoforming ovens and plant. These facilities provide ATL with complete production flexibility and ultimately provide ATL’s customers with unrivalled project turnaround times.

The inside of each ATL tank has been decorated with the highest quality décor to provide a realistic replica habitat. The variety of habitats range from tropical reefs complete with artificial corals to mangroves root environments. Other tanks include rusty ship wreck plates, anchor décor, tea chests depicting international trading connections, ancient pottery vases, replica swords, helmets and shields. Working closely with the clients own specialist creative and animal husbandry teams ensured each ATL tank met the highest habitat expectations.

Alongside our prefabricated displays, ATL has also manufactured maintenance free GRP composite water dump/surge effects for use on the concrete site built displays. The largest crash- dump effect has a 1000 litre (1 ton) capacity meaning that this really will makes its presence felt!

As part of the overall exhibition, ATL designed and built a large bespoke jelly fish display. Whilst this tank is designed to be viewed only from the large acrylic front glazing panel, it is glazed both sides with the rear panel providing a provision for state of the art L.E.D back lighting. Whilst the bespoke octopus display tank incorporated safe and secure ‘escape proof’ lids.

Once complete each of the ATL aquarium tanks is subjected to full hydro testing proving functionality prior to final cleaning, inspection and export protection.

Less than 4 months from initial order the final batch of high quality ATL aquarium displays were carefully loaded and secured into shipping containers and are now making their way across the pacific to their new home in China. This demonstrates how ATL understands the importance of high quality, fast track manufacture is to its customers. SEALIFE Chongqing is due to open its doors in early 2017.

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This latest series of ATL aquarium displays were designed and built in house and shipped out in record time. ATL is proud to have supplied the majority of stunning new displays for the hugely successful Sealife Istanbul aquarium.

These ATL aquarium tanks are destined for the new ‘Amazing Creations’ exhibition in SEALIFE Istanbul. This exciting new feature exhibition is due to open to the eager public later this month. The tanks have been specifically designed to enable the use of innovative, integrated multimedia technology.

Take a look at Amazing Creations

All ATL aquarium displays can be built as complete prefabricated aquarium units. Alternatively larger tanks are carefully designed and manufactured as a series of sectional components. These ATL aquarium tank components are then assembled once in situ by our own team of expert installation technicians.

ATL aquarium tanks can be designed to virtually any shape and size. Simple rectangles to more complex part hemisphere displays ATL has a solution to suit every budget!

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Penguin pools are always popular with the public. The ATL team has been involved with many of the penguin pools and displays seen in zoos, wildlife parks and aquariums today. ATL provides water proofing, glazing, life support system and theming installation services.

ATL’s GRP composite linings are used to provide durable and reliable water proof coating and tanking systems to the pool structure. GRP is widely used in the main penguin pools dive zones but increasingly these coatings are being extended out of the pool and onto the penguin haul out and land areas. By necessity these areas are subject to regular cleaning by exhibit keepers and some coatings simply de bond and break off in time leaving the concrete exposed. ATL’s GRP coatings withstand these rigours and continue to provide protective coatings to penguin pools for many trouble free years. As a standard part of the ATL lining service, different colour finishes for walls and floors are applied. As an example mid water blue walls and sandy seabed coloured floors are now the norm. We are even able to offer ‘icy blue hues’ for those under and above the icescape scenes. Behind the scenes ATL linings are used to water proof line the LSS sumps, reservoirs, quarantine and care facilities all of which are essential for maintaining healthy penguin pools.

ATL viewing panels are produced in flat heat soak toughened glass or more frequently in flat or curved cast acrylic. ATL’s underwater viewing windows are manufactured and installed as part of the overall penguin pools package. All of ATL’s penguin pool viewing panels are designed specifically to suit either the dry, submerged or part submerged application. Something that can be easily overlooked is the need for increased window thickness for dry land area views. This is particularly important where large temperature differentials exist. For example between the public areas and say penguin pools that use ice machines etc to create ambience within the exhibition space keeping temperatures low. ATL can assist designers with the specification and supply of windows with a higher ‘U’ factor to minimise condensation issues.

When it comes to installation of life support systems for penguin pools then ATL can also help. The team has been working alongside a world leading aquarium filtration designer and manufacturer who has entrusted ATL to install their commercial LSS equipment. This service offers project managers the potential benefits of combining key areas of site expertise in turn foreshortening site programmes. Shared mobilisation and accommodation costs are an additional benefit for all parties.

ATL have access to their own in house artist team to produce realistic décor, in tank theming and stunning backdrops. Equally we are more than happy to work alongside other specialist theming suppliers and contractors. ATL’s adaptable and flexible teamwork approach ensures that all of ATL penguin pools projects are delivered on time and on budget.

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Aquarium Technology Ltd has completed another full aquarium refurbishment. This time saw ATL in Malmo Museum Aquarium in Sweden. The ATL team designed, manufactured and installed an entirely new range of GRP composite display tanks including glass and acrylic viewing panels and stunning underwater themed aquascapes. The habitats vary from coral reefs, shipwrecks and cannon, shoreline and native fresh water habitats. ATL also provided theming to a range of large aqua terrarium displays.

Larger aquarium displays formed part of the basement structure and therefore were produced on site in concrete. The ATL team provided GRP waterproof linings to each of these tanks before installing the large acrylic viewing windows. The largest tank has a 6m wide single piece acrylic viewing panel which needed to be craned over the museum before the aquarium roof was installed.

ATL installed and commissioned an entire range of dedicated life support systems to complement the project. To support the project , behind the scenes the ATL team designed and installed separate breeding and quarantine tanks and systems.

From the outset ATL’s designers and project managers worked closely with the Swedish exhibition architects, interior designers and the client team to provide a high quality exhibit.

ATL is proud to have been involved with the Malmo Museum aquarium refurbishment.

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For many years ATL has been highly regarded as a specialist designer and installer of deep water glazing for commercial aquariums. ATL has naturally progressed to become a major provider in the underwater windows for swimming pools market. ATL design, specify, install and seal underwater windows for every type of submerged application, including of course swimming pools. Underwater windows for swimming pools are now the ‘must have’ for any new swimming pool project. Adventurous architects, interior designers and structural engineers are coming to ATL and asking us for larger than ever underwater windows for swimming pools. ATL works with a number of the worlds major acrylic producers to provide the highest quality flat or thermoformed acrylic viewing panels to suit virtually any size and shape of pool or budget.

ATL’s latest swimming pool project involves the design and installation of a large cast acrylic viewing panel for a multi million pound residential development in London. The viewing panel is being installed in a basement swimming pool structure by ATL’s installation technicians. The ATL acrylic underwater window is 140mm thick and weighs around 1750kg.

In addition to large acrylic viewing windows, ATL design and manufacture large underwater windows for swimming pools in standard or low iron heat soak toughened and laminated glass.

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As part of any public aquarium and zoo display, there is always a back of house world of aquariums and life support systems. Quarantine tanks and systems are vital to the upkeep of any aquarium set up. From the quarantining and conditioning of new fish stock to the separation, isolation and treatment of poorly animals, quarantines are a very important and integral facility. For many years public aquarium and zoo attractions have promoted captive breeding programmes. A quality quarantine and research aquarium facility is key to the success these important breeding programmes.

Historically aquarium quarantine areas were often overlooked and squeezed into any available space on an architectural plan but times have changed. The introduction of tighter licencing and ever updating legislation has seen major improvements to quarantine facilities. These days and rightly so the demands and requirements from a quarantine zone are much higher. Impervious floor coatings, wall tiling and easy clean surfaces have brought these once no go areas into the public eye. Check out the increasing popularity of guided behind the scenes tours seen in many public aquariums and zoos, something 15 years ago was virtually unheard of.

ATL’s quarantine and stock holding tanks can be supplied in virtually any colour and size and are produced in low maintenance, easy clean moulded GRP composite technology. These are suitable for use in freshwater, marine invertebrate or living coral systems.

We also supply acrylic, all glass or welded polypropylene or PVC quarantine and fish holding tanks.

ATL also work extensively with other reputable producers to provide the entire range of tanks for any scheme.

Larger sectional holding tanks can be manufactured and delivered to site in pieces to help with installation into difficult access locations. We have designed, manufactured and installed bespoke every size and shape of quarantine tank, to house literally everything from minute marine invertebrates such as jellyfish polyps up to full size salt water crocodiles!

To compliment quarantine and research aquarium tanks, ATL design and install aquarium life support systems (LSS).

The LSS can either be specifically designed as stand alone units or equally used as a centralised recirculating system combining an entire range of displays.

These LSS systems are designed to provide exactly the same water parameters required to maintain sustainable fish health and well being.

ATL is increasingly involved with the refurbishment and upgrading of existing quarantine facilities for many of the worlds largest aquarium attraction, zoo operators and research aquarium institutions.

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