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

The post ATL aquarium refurbishment appeared first on Leaders in Aquarium Technology.