Living Color’s 9,000 Gallon Cylinder Tank

Location: Corporate Headquarters Building in Raleigh, North Carolina

Dimensions: 26′H x 8′ Diameter Cylinder

Volume: 9,000 gallons (34,000 liters)

Details provided by Living Color

At nearly 30 feet tall this amazing acrylic cylinder aquarium is among the tallest in North America and when full of water, it weighs over 83,000lbs. From design to installation the complex endeavor took over 6 months to complete.  The stunning aquarium provides a focal point  in the lobby of  a major corporation.

The one of a kind aquarium includes a towering 26′ tall artificial reef structure fabricated in durable epoxy and decorated with over 1000 museum-quality urethane corals.  All the aquarium plumbing is integrated into the reef structure so no fittings are visible.   The impressive aquarium sits atop a specially engineered earthquake proof steel and concrete base.

Water quality is maintained by a  sophisticated life support system. Large aquariums typically use high pressure sand filter for mechanical filtration which require frequent backwashing. However to conserve water, we selected high pressure pleated cartridge filters as the primary form of mechanical filtration.  Large commercial fluidized bed filters, a 10 foot tall protein skimmer, 2x 1000 watt UV sterilizers and a titanium-plated water chilled heat exchanger  are some other major components used to maintain the aquarium’s water quality.   The life support system is located in an 600 square foot room  on the second floor above the aquarium.  Color changing high intensity lighting LED lighting create a dramatic effect while  a glass elevator behind the aquarium allows you to enjoy the fishes as you ascend.

Construction Photos

Day 1: Installation of base and artificial reef structure

Day 2: Completion of artifical reef structure

Day3: Arrival of cylinder aquarium

Day 3: Lowering the aquarium onto its base

Day 3: The 9,000 gallon cylinder aquarium in place