A new bird viewing hide has been built at the RSPB Freiston Shore reserve, near Boston in Lincolnshire.

The RSPB Freiston shore bird hide project was designed by Norwegian bird hide Specialists Biotope . Biotope provided a finished design for birdwatching, combining architectural design alongside caring for nature. The new hide creates an open and inviting architecture aimed at connecting people with nature. This hide achieves the careful balance between the need for visibility and shelter to attract visitors, whilst blending into the landscape and remaining sympathetic to the sensitivities of the birds and their habitats.

ATL was appointed to the project by principle contractor Walker Construction Ltd. Faced with some of the harshest Lincolnshire ‘Wash’ weather, Walker Construction battled through it all to deliver the building shell.

Construction of the hide was undertaken by Walker Construction in very challenging weather conditions

ATL provided design input and the specification and production of the heat soak toughened and laminated glass viewing panels. As ever our technician team carefully completed the installation and sealing of the viewing panels on site.

The view across the lagoon at low tide

The ATL viewing panel installation at RSPB Fresiton shore

RSPB Freiston Shore is an internationally important saltmarsh lagoon habitat. This new bird hide will provide a unique outlook over the lagoon. The hide will be partially submerged underwater so visitors to the hide will have the opportunity to view through ATL’s viewing panels and be eyelevel with the birds sitting in and around the water.

This is just another example of the breadth of ATL’s project experience. We wish the RSPB Freiston shore project every future success. You can view more details about Freiston shore here

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Its nearly 25 years since the ATL team originally installed the SEALIFE aquarium in Helsinki, Finland. Situated a 10 minute tram ride from the metropolis of the city and adjacent to the historic Lina maki amusement park, Sealife Helsinki has attracted millions of visitors since first opening its doors. It was therefore decided that now, was the right time to refurbish and upgrade the large ocean tank feature to provide an enhanced visitor experience.

Once again ATL was Merlin Entertainments chosen partner to undertake the specialist works for the Sealife Helsinki ocean tank refurbishment. Back in the late Autumn specialist Sealife teams ensured the fish were carefully removed and rehomed before the ocean tank was drained down. Our team then undertook removing the large theatre window which allowed safe, low level access into the tank for the local demolition contractors to begin removal of the outdated tank decor. With the window removed and the tank empty of debris our technicians set up and painstakingly prepared the tank for the application of a new water proof lining system.

ATL team painstakingly preparing the Sealife Helsinki ocean tank for lining

This time around we offered our bi colour GRP composite waterproofing system with ocean blue walls and sand coloured floor areas.

Finishing touches to the ocean tank waterproofing process in Helsinki

ATL’s bi colour GRP lining system

After 25 years of trouble free service the acrylic viewing panels were in need of some care. Once all of the original sealants were removed, the walk through acrylic tunnel sections, portholes and vertical cylinder panels were all cosmetically polished inside and out returning them to new condition.

Cosmetically polishing the ocean tunnel

A new formed acrylic ocean theatre window was produced and delivered to site. On arrival this presented us with the usual tight access challenge starting with getting it physically into the building in -10C with snow on the ground! As ever the ATL installation team worked their magic and the panel was safely installed.

Installing the new theatre window into the building

There had been a number of historic modifications made to the original LSS filtration system set up. These modifications had not all necessarily resulted in improved water parameters. So it was decided that whilst the tank was empty to suggest and make some ATL improvements to the filtration system. ATL’s technicians revaluated all of the system equipment and made changes that have now resulted in major improvements to water flow and resulting clarity. We also installed new full flow ultra violet disinfection to the different systems. All of this work delivers the water parameter improvements needed and equally important ensures the LSS systems are easier to monitor and maintain by the on site team.

Full flow ultra violet disinfection units were added to the LSS system

ATL improvement works in the Helsinki plantroom

Seizing the rare opportunity to have the ocean tank emptied presented a blank canvass, so the SEALIFE Helsinki team deigned a new aquascape they wanted to achieve. Once again ATL worked closely with their specialist partners Koda Creative . Together we delivered amazing new theming concept with realistic tropical reef scenery, including swim throughs and two large totem head iconic features. A selection of ATL’s own artificial corals were installed to really bring the scenery to life.

Koda creatives Iconic feature totems in Sealife Helsinki

Theming features in Sealife Helsinki

view from ATL’s vertical cylinder viewing panel

Black tipped reef shark enjoying the newly decorated tank

Once completed our technician team installed and sealed into place a new 3m x 2m formed acrylic viewing window into the newly renovated ocean tank viewing theatre and the tank was finally ready to be filled.

During refilling our team returned to site to commission the new life support systems and to conduct final inspections and checks. Everything pleasingly worked to plan and the tank restocking completed successfully.

A black tip reef shark cruising across the ATL renovated underwater tunnel in Sealife Helsinki

The exhibit officially reopened last week. We are all really pleased with the end result and this successfully concludes another amazing aquarium refurbishment project that ATL the leaders in aquarium technology team has delivered. I have no doubt that the SEALIFE Helsinki ocean tank refurbishment will ensure it remains Finlands premier tropical aquarium attraction. More details can be seen here

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SEALIFE Great Yarmouth first opened its doors to the public in 1990. During that time the aquarium has seen many changes including various thematic changes to the site including the major ocean tank display. The ocean tank included a viewing theatre with large laminated glass panels. After nearly 35 years of trouble free service it was decided the ocean tank windows needed to be replaced so the opportunity presented itself to rethink the viewing area and replace the glass windows with acrylic. The original glass panels were supported on heavy glass mullions which were typical of tanks of this era. Despite being glass the original mullions were bulky and attempts to disguise them with replica stone columns in combination did nothing to add to the visual clarity of the area.

The original glass viewing panels in SEALIFE Great Yarmouth

Glass viewing panels and mullions

ATL were appointed to provide specialist advice on how the ocean tank viewing area could be modified enabling the use of acrylic panels. Firstly a bespoke lifting beam was designed by the clients structural engineer and installed over the tank. This beam was to be used to suspend the specialist vacuum lifting equipment required to provide support for the heavy glasses as they were being cut out from the rebate. The same system was used to safely manoeuvre and lower the panels out of the tank for disposal.

Our team removing the 35 year old silicone seals

ATL removing the glass mullions from the ocean tank

Harry steadying the glass

Working as intended- failed glass leaf held on the interlayer

All the old glass removed

Various glazing combinations were considered including installing a single span acrylic panel. However a single viewing panel was not considered to be practical as it would involve literally removing the roof of the building with all of the consequential disruption that would bring. So it was decided that the ocean viewing area would be reconfigured using multiple acrylic panels and refined steel support elements. We went about designing and fabricating steel mullions and the existing tank frame was then modified to accept the new mullion supports being welded in on site. Once the structural work on site was complete, ATL’s GRP composite water proofing was applied to the new frame integrating it with the existing tank lining. Full height acrylic viewing panels were then delivered onto site and safely lifted back into the tank, installed and sealed into the prepared tank frames.

Ocean tank viewing panels with mullions

Hydrotesting the new viewing panel installation at SEALIFE Great Yarmouth

The behind the scenes organisation needed to safely rehome all of the fish and other inhabitants are considerable and requires months of planning so the chance to drain the major ocean display doesn’t come along too often. When it does the opportunity is seized to provide new theming features for the tank. ATL typically provide high quality tank decor as part of their package however in this instance the theming work was entrusted to a local specialist. They have recreated the wreck of the HMS Gloucester which sunk off Great Yarmouth in 1682 for more details see HMS Gloucester . Meanwhile the ATL team provided a replacement composite filter bed and pipework at the same time as installing a bespoke composite anti splash screen to the top of the tank.

Our team added a GRP anti splash upstand to the tank perimeter

Further works completed by our multi skilled team included replacing and upgrading various items of life support system equipment including adding an additional full flow ultra violet disinfection unit.

Media filter upgrades at SEALIFE Great Yarmouth

Additional full flow UV disinfection unit was added to enhance the LSS

Finally we designed and built some new aquarium displays to replace some end of life displays in another part of the aquarium exhibition. Using ATL’s prefabricated system of production meant that these replacement tanks could be prefabricated offsite and fast track delivered fully themed and ready to add water and fish.

Winding the clock on 35 years – it was great for the ATL team to be back on site and entrusted with such a technically challenging project and successfully delivering the SEALIFE Great Yarmouth ocean tank refurbishment.

Visitors enjoying the views through the new acrylic windows

The new acrylic viewing panels

The new windows allow close up viewing of the friendly inhabitants.

The fish enjoying their newly refurbished home in SEALIFE Great Yarmouth

More details about SEALIFE Great Yarmouth can be viewed here

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ATL was chosen as the specialist supplier of a range of stunning new exhibits for the soon to be opened SEALIFE Malaysia aquarium based at Legoland, Johur, Malaysia. All tanks were designed and fabricated in house at ATL.

ATL prefbaricated tanks for SEALIFE Malaysia aquarium

Each tank was fully tested and inspected prior to being carefully packed and loaded into shipping containers.

Large prefabricated ATL display being loaded

On arrival in Malaysia the tanks were moved to site and offloaded and positioned by the ATL technician crew.

ATL prefabricated tank structures

Large ATL tank being installed

A new range of display concepts were built alongside a normal array of favorite and proven designs. A large version terrapin tank allows the visitor to walk through a tunnel to get that special view. Other tanks include experimental AV features.

ATL prefabricated tank in final position

Some of these displays too large for shipping so were built sectionally and expertly assembled on site by our team of technicians. A large shoaling ring display was produced in sections, trial assembled at ATL before before being shipped and assembled in situ. This is a proven method of large display construction for ATL and allows us to be able to furnish aquarium spaces with larger displays without the need for bulky concrete structures.

ATL sectional shoaling display

ATL large sectional tank structure in final location

Once again ATL’s creative team created incredible backdrops for all of the tanks with a stunning array of in tank decor and artifact theming. Natural habitat rockwork theming including coral baserock, freshwater mangroves and mud banks, ships timbers all provide stunning habitat and backdrop features. This was augmented by story telling artifacts such as ships wheels, gun barrels, swords, bottles, casks, flasks,crates, pirate portraits and of course an amazing collection of artificial corals were all produced in house.

ATL tank theming and decor artefacts

ATL are proud to be the specialist aquarium partner of the worlds largest aquarium brand SEALIFE and intrinsically involved with their first aquarium in Legoland Malaysia. Keep up to date with this project by following

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ATL’s aquariums have now been successfully installed into the new Sealife Legoland Hotel aquarium in Nagoya, Japan. The new and exciting ATL aquariums have been entirely designed and built here in our Weymouth factory and shipped to Japan. There are a range of ATL tanks in the latest Japan attraction from specialist micro’s tanks used for displaying seahorses, pop up tanks, close encounter kids rock pools through to a large sectionally constructed shoaling ring display have now been expertly installed on site by ATL’s supervision team.

Sectional tank with theming

A large 7 metre long harbour display was built in 2 longitudinal sections, each section weighing nearly 2000kg and sized to fit the largest available export containers. Tank sections of this size and weight needed specialist handling and expert installation teams. Displays produced in fewer, larger tank sections allow for fast track on site assembly once each section was lifted onto the displays level 2 floors up!

ATL 7m harbour tank prepared for lifting

ATL large harbour display is craned 2 floors up

Following on from the success of ATL’s first venture into Japan, these are the next generation of ATL tanks in the latest Japan attraction at LEGOLAND, show casing the very latest state of the art tank theming, in tank decor and artefacts of the highest quality.

ATL quality theming and tank decor

ATL artificial corals

ATL’s superior quality viewing panels were produced and installed using flat, thermoformed or blown cast acrylics and will show off the tank contents and of course the amazing creatures perfectly

ATL acrylic viewing panel

ATL was nominated as the aquarium displays vendor for this project following an extensive pre qualification period. During pre quantification we were able to demonstrate why ATL is the leader in aquarium technology and our provenance for delivering high quality aquarium displays for the demanding visitor attraction market. The SEALIFE Nagoya aquarium project has been a special project for the entire ATL team and the culmination of many months of hard work.

ATL’s products and services are supplied worldwide and can be found in a variety of aquarium, zoo, contemporary art and museum attractions in addition to research and educational establishments.

More details of the grand opening of this project on 15th April 2018 can be found at sealife nagoya

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ATL were awarded the contract to complete the refurbishment of the ever popular reptile house at Bristol Zoo Gardens. Originally built in the 1980’s the existing reptile house exhibit was much loved by all who visited but in need of an update.

Much loved by all. Bristols Zoos reptile house before the refurbishment

However with so many plants, animals and tiny creatures living happily amongst the foliage, rocks and crevices any refurbishment works could only take place once all of the creatures were safely re homed. A project of this size required meticulous front end planning with the zoo’s husbandry and gardening teams.

Original features

The refurbishment works involved the surface preparation of the existing linked pools and land area’s to accept a GRP composite water proof lining system. Large natural boulders and features needed to be moved and retained for reuse later.

pools before the upgrade

Irregularities of pool shape including a ‘cast in’ pebble pool base meant that large area’s of the pools had to be first spray rendered in specialist mortar before we could apply a GRP linings to it. With a hard wearing impervious GRP composite pool lining in place work could begin on the re theming and decoration of the enclosure. Working closely with the requirement of the zoo’s animal keeper team we have created a new and exciting habitat.

ATL tree trunk carvings cleverly hide building columns

Building support columns were cleverly disguised with realistic hand carved tree trunks , roots and fallen logs provide pool separation zones. With washed out river boulders and mud banks all helping to compliment any naturally planted areas. Special attention was given to providing nesting sites and haul out areas within the theming.

ATL washed out banks and mud features

Working together with our other trusted specialist partners the ATL team has really helped to transform this exhibit into keeper friendly and most importantly a realistic, natural beastie friendly environment.

The zoo teams are now hard at work putting the finishing touches to the enclosure and preparing it ready for the reintroduction of the beasties into their revamped home. Bristol Zoos reptile house is due to reopen to the public soon.

ATL is proud to be involved with yet another delightful project at Bristol Zoo. We have a long standing working relationship with the Zoo and we have been involved with many previous projects together. Bristol Zoo welcomes over half a million visitors per year to its grounds in Clifton.

For more details of the reptile house refurbishment visit Bristol Zoo Gardens

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Recently the Macduff marine aquarium in Scotland underwent a major refurbishment and upgrade. ATL were appointed as specialist works contractor to complete the water proofing, acrylic glazing refurbishment and re theming of the aquariums central feature ocean display. The ATL aquarium refurbishment team completed various stages of the works. The original tank lining needed to be removed and a new GRP composite aquarium lining applied.

ATL GRP tank lining

ATL are specialists in the application of composite tank linings. We have many years of experience and a proven track record of success in projects around the world. ATL offer different colour options for tank walls and floors as standard. In operation fish can move the base substrates around and expose the floor lining. If the base colour is a neutral or natural colour then exposed sections of lining become less obvious to the viewer. A minor point but ATL recognise this issue and offer this as a standard but very effective advantage of a two colour lining system.

ATL offer 2 colour tank lining systems

As part of the ATL aquarium refurbishment in Macduff we undertook the resealing of all of the acrylic viewing panels. This involved carefully cutting away the 20 + year old sealant, cleaning and applying new seals. After 20 years of trouble free service, welcoming many thousands of visitors the underwater viewing windows needed some care and attention. All of the acrylic windows underwent full remedial polishing in situ to remove scratches and marks and restoring them back to a near new condition.

ATL in situ aquarium window refurbishment

New water proof lining and revamped under water windows meant that the tank theming and in tank décor needed to be replaced. The opportunity was also taken to improve the in tank pipework set up to allow more adjustable flows. This will develop natural currents and flows within the tank environment and allows the site team display kelp more effectively than before. The ATL team also produced all of the new rock features creating a stunning new seascape. ATL use only mortars suitable for long term submersion in seawater supported on inert plastic support mesh and ties so there is no chance of corrosion of the support structures. Being a native marine aquarium with a bias for local Scottish species the rock work has been styled to closely resemble the local strata seen around the Macduff coastline. There’s plenty of local reference to base it on!

ATL rockwork in progress

ATL aquarium refurbishment services are widely used in projects around the UK, Europe and across the world. ATL believe in seeing their products in service for the long term. ATL was involved with the original building of Macduff Marine Aquarium back in 1996 so its great to be able to go back in 2017 and continue the success story going forward.

ATL newly refurbished aquarium in Macduff

Macduff marine aquarium is a lovely example of a local aquarium with complete emphasis on showing local native species and is well worth a visit. More information can be viewed at viewed at

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ATL has once again beaten off stiff competition to secure a tank supply contract for a major public aquarium project in mainland China. Aquarium displays of all shapes and sizes have been designed and built at ATL’s headquarters here in the UK. Using ATL’s prefabricated display tank system we have been able to produce exhibits to the highest possible quality and in record time.

This latest batch of ATL tanks for China has now safely arrived on site. The aquarium consignments include small jewel tanks with acrylic viewing panels, full size cylinders with thermoformed 360 degree acrylic viewing, large blown acrylic hemisphere displays and stunning jellyfish exhibits.

ATL GRP composite and acrylic tanks

ATL’s aquarium tanks are well known for their quality and reliability. Our in house team of specialists have been building high quality displays for many years and this has established ATL as the leaders in aquarium technology. Working closely with the client teams we constantly strive to create innovation with new display designs and R & D projects which in turn improves our manufacturing processes. We continue to produce a series of plug and play’favourites’. Tanks such as the kids only tunnel tanks are always a popular display in any public aquarium.

ATL kids tunnel display

With every new project the expectations for the quality of the theming and tank décor rises. ATL is able to achieve tank theming of the highest possible quality. As well as an array of themed artefacts we cater for all of the normal aquarium backdrops including coral reefs, shipwrecks, fresh water banks, mangroves, roots and even impressive tree trunks. We recently hosted a delegation of overseas customers here at ATL. They could not believe the quality of our theming and that our tree trunks were not real. They were so impressed they placed additional orders for their project there on the spot it must be good!

ATL realistic artificial theming

Once the tanks are finished we routinely inspect before we hydrotest each unit for functionality. This ensures that everything that leaves our factory is of the expected quality. Once passed our tanks are meticulously wrapped and protected.

ATL tanks are prebuilt

The ATL team carefully load each display into shipping containers and arrange export. This gives our clients the ability to receive tanks on site of the quality they expect, at an affordable price and within a timescale that’s difficult for other to match.

ATL tanks made to fit

We are rightly proud of our team and their efforts that have ensured the continued use of ATL tanks for China aquarium projects. More details about this project can be viewed atOur success in the region continues and more news will follow soon.

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After months of planning Southend Sealife adventure has reopened its doors to unveil its exciting new exhibits. The enclosures and displays are proving to be a huge hit with their customers. The Aquarium Technology Ltd team has been involved this project from conception through to completion. ATL worked closely with operational staff and a team of engineers, architects and contractors to ensure the best possible use of the available space. The ATL penguin display is part of a range of new exhibits and displays.

These new displays signify a major £680,000 investment in the Southend sealife adventure site, part of the Stockvale Group. As is often the case, it wasn’t all about the works that are on show to the public. Behind the scenes a major enablement project also took place. ATL’s specialist technicians and LSS plumbers worked to enable a major overhaul and upgrade of the aquariums on site water storage facilities. Location constraints dictated that new GRP composite reservoirs had to be installed in sections and assembled in site. The plant room now boasts increased on site water storage capacity to accommodate the new exhibits. Our aquarium plumbing team were able to work on the systems ‘live’ to ensure that the aquarium did not lose vital access to water for any length of time. Quite an achievement in itself!

ATL’s long trusted GRP composite lining system has been used to provide waterproofing to the penguin plunge pool. Acrylic viewing panels were also installed and sealed by ATL. The main viewing panels allow both above and below water views of the amazing penguins.

Existing attraction sites rarely have generous room for future expansion and Southend was no exception. Architects faced a real challenge with the space they had to work with and have achieved a great result.

Space being at a premium presented issues for the location of the penguin pool filtration system. With a brief for ozone disinfection, bio filtration, protein skimming and traditional particle filtration required to maintain the pool water quality, ATL opted for a bespoke skid mounted system design. ATL worked with a specialist manufacturer to design a suitable system that achieved the brief. The system was installed and set up by ATL and brought on line ready for the penguins much anticipated arrival.

As well as the new ATL penguin display, our team designed and installed two larger tropical fresh water aquarium displays to house some of the aquariums super sized specimens which had outgrown their old tanks. A new cylinder tank and a large display providing viewing from both sides have been added. Both displays incorporate bespoke in tank décor and localised LSS units. Both of these tanks were fully prefabricated at ATL, delivered and craned into site.

ATL’s prefabricated tank system enables offsite leaching which following, quick site installation allows the tanks to be maturated quickly. ATL are recognised as the leaders in aquarium technology.

The ATL team has been proud to be involved with this project which im sure will provide many years of enjoyment for visitors to one of Southends destination attractions. For more details about the project and everything else that Southend sealife adventure has to offer please follow

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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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