DESIGN

Big ideas, real impact.

Piscean can help design or refresh the internal scape of your aquarium, whether you are starting a new system or improving an existing one. We focus on creating a layout that looks natural, suits the livestock, supports water flow and remains practical to maintain.

  • An aquarium with rocks, some fish, and a large piece of driftwood extending outside the tank, set against a white background.

    Statement

  • Aquarium with large rocks and yellow fish swimming among smaller rocks.

    minimalist

  • Aquarium with lush green aquatic plants and driftwood, creating a natural underwater landscape

    nature

  • Aquarium landscape with rocks, green and red plants, and water

    brazilian

  • A landscape with large rocks on a grassy green field under a clear sky.

    IWAGUMI

  • Colorful coral reef aquarium with various fish and marine life.

    REEF

  • Aquarium with aquatic plants, rocks, driftwood, and small colorful fish swimming.

    faux

  • A small stream or pond surrounded by fallen leaves, twigs, and aquatic plants, with clear water reflecting the surrounding environment.

    BIOTOPE

  • Aquarium with rocks and small colorful fish swimming around.

    HARD

  • Colorful coral reef with various coral formations and marine plants inside an aquarium.

    MACRO

  • Aquarium with rocks and small yellow and purple fish

    VOID

  • A lush green forest scene with tall trees, vines, and a small stream running through mossy rocks.

    FOREST

  • Indoor aquascape with a variety of green, red, and purple aquatic plants.

    DUTCH

  • Underwater coral reef with colorful fish and marine life

    ISLAND

  • A rectangular aquascape with a lush green bonsai-style tree, rocks, and small fish swimming in clear water.

    BONSAI

An aquascape is more than an arrangement of stone, plants, coral or fish. It is a living design feature — a considered composition shaped by movement, balance, texture, light and ecology.

Piscean’s aquascape design service is a fully customised offering, thoughtfully tailored to your space, ethos and aspirations. We consider the architecture of the room, the quality of light, the natural flow of the environment and the emotional tone you wish to evoke. These elements are translated into a cohesive underwater landscape that feels intentional, balanced and enduring.

Each scape is designed with both visual impact and long-term ecosystem health in mind. From aquascape layout and hardscape placement to plant selection, coral positioning and livestock compatibility, every detail is considered as part of the whole. The result is not simply an aquarium, but a living environment that aligns seamlessly with your home, workplace or commercial space.

Our approach draws inspiration from natural biotopes, aquatic landscapes and the quiet rhythm of nature. We create scapes that feel grounded and organic, while remaining refined, practical and suited to the species that inhabit them. Whether freshwater, planted or reef, each design is shaped to support visual harmony, natural behaviour and a sense of calm connection.

Good aquascape design also helps create a healthier and more maintainable aquarium. Thoughtful layouts can improve water flow, reduce detritus build-up, minimise algae-prone areas and make routine care more intuitive. Rather than designing only for the first impression, Piscean considers how the aquarium will mature, settle and evolve over time.

For new aquariums, we can guide the scape from its earliest concept, helping shape the layout, materials, planting, coral placement and livestock direction. For existing aquariums, we can redesign or refine tired, unbalanced or difficult-to-maintain layouts, bringing greater cohesion, depth and intention to the display.

With ongoing care available after setup, Piscean can continue supporting the aquarium as it grows into itself — preserving the integrity of the design while allowing the living system to mature naturally.

  • Aquascape layout and visual direction

  • Hardscape selection and placement

  • Plant selection and planting design

  • Coral placement guidance

  • Livestock compatibility planning

  • Natural biotope-inspired styling

  • Visual balance, depth and proportion

  • Water flow and maintenance access considerations

  • Algae-prevention through thoughtful layout design

  • Redesigns of existing aquariums

  • New aquarium scape planning

  • Ongoing care after setup

What Our Scape Design Can Include

Custom Design;

ZERO EFFORT

Our design service is a fully customised offering, where each aquascape is thoughtfully tailored to your space, ethos, and aspirations. We consider architecture, light, flow, and the emotional tone you wish to evoke, translating these elements into a cohesive underwater environment that feels intentional, balanced, and enduring. The result is not simply an aquarium, but a living design feature that aligns seamlessly with your home or business.

A fish with a dark body and a white-tipped tail.

Enquire

  • Piscean Aquarium Services – Terms and Conditions

    Effective Date: 22 September 2024

    Business Name: Piscean Aquarium Services

    ABN: 81176363686

    Service Area: Sydney, NSW

    These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern all services provided by Piscean Aquarium Services (“Piscean”, “we”, “us”, “our”) to the client (“Client”, “you”, “your”). By accepting a quote (verbally or in writing, including SMS or email), paying an invoice or deposit, or permitting service to commence, you agree to these Terms.

    Formation of Contract

    A legally binding agreement is formed when you accept a written quote (including via SMS or email), reply with written confirmation such as “YES” or “ACCEPT”, pay a deposit or invoice, or permit service to commence. Electronic communications constitute valid contractual acceptance. These Terms apply to one-time services, emergency call-outs, ongoing maintenance programs, custom design programs, and installations.

    Scope of Services

    Services may include: aquarium cleaning and maintenance; waste water changes and replenishment; water parameter testing; dosing treatments and supplements; algae management; equipment inspection; aquascape adjustments; and saltwater preparation and delivery.

    Aquarium cleaning, water changes, and maintenance may temporarily disrupt biological stability, including water parameters such as ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH, which may fluctuate following service.

    Aquascaping, substrate disturbance, or filter maintenance may release trapped organic matter or alter bacterial colonies, potentially affecting water quality and livestock health.

    Services exclude (unless agreed in writing): structural cabinetry repairs; electrical rewiring; plumbing beyond standard hose servicing; silicone resealing or tank reconstruction; and major remediation of pre-existing system failures. Aquarium ecosystems are dynamic biological systems. Piscean does not guarantee specific biological or aesthetic outcomes.

    Aquarium systems supplied by the Client are accepted on the basis that Piscean Aquarium Services does not manufacture, engineer, certify, install, reseal, structurally assess, or warrant the integrity of client-supplied aquariums, cabinetry, stands, plumbing, glass panels, silicone seams, bracing, or associated equipment unless expressly agreed in writing.

    Piscean is entitled to rely on the Client’s representation that all aquarium systems are structurally sound and fit for purpose unless expressly notified otherwise in writing prior to service commencement.

    Piscean does not undertake structural testing, pressure testing, load testing, silicone integrity testing, bracing evaluation, or certification of aquariums, cabinetry, or associated systems unless expressly agreed in writing.

    The act of filling or operating an aquarium does not constitute certification of structural integrity and may expose latent defects not previously visible or known.

    Systems that have been idle, dry-stored, or unused for extended periods are considered higher risk and may fail upon reintroduction of water regardless of visible external condition.

    Clients acknowledge that client-supplied aquariums and cabinetry may deteriorate over time due to age, prior use, improper installation, structural movement, material fatigue, environmental conditions, storage conditions, latent defects, levelling issues, or pre-existing damage.

    Clients are solely responsible for ensuring that all aquariums, cabinetry, flooring, plumbing, and associated systems are structurally sound, watertight, properly supported, level, fit for purpose, and appropriately tested prior to service commencement.

    To the maximum extent permitted by law, Piscean Aquarium Services accepts no liability for leakage, cracking, structural failure, water damage, or consequential loss arising from client-supplied systems, including failures caused or contributed to by latent defects, age-related deterioration, pre-existing damage, improper installation, or structural inadequacy.

    Variation of Services

    Piscean may recommend additional works or treatments during service. Variations will be quoted and approved where practicable. Small additions and changes may be made at our discretion. Urgent remedial action required to prevent system damage or livestock loss may be undertaken and invoiced accordingly.

    Piscean reserves the right to refuse, pause, or cease filling, servicing, or operating any aquarium system where, in its reasonable opinion, structural integrity or safety may be compromised.

    Service Types & Pricing

    Ongoing Maintenance Program: Typical rate $169–$249 + GST per hour; frequency every 2–4 weeks; minimum 10 services. Early termination may result in re-rating completed visits to the applicable one-time service rate. Includes travel, standard water testing, and basic water treatments. Excludes livestock, plants, décor, medications, supplementation, equipment/filter media, accessories, and GST unless stated. Rates may be reviewed with 14 days’ notice.

    One-Time Service / Call-Out: Typically $189–$249 + GST per hour, exclusive of GST unless stated. Includes travel (standard areas), water testing, and water treatments.

    Service Areas: Northern Beaches, North Shore, Eastern Suburbs (NSW). Additional travel charges or alternative rates may apply outside these areas.

    Livestock & Additional Purchases

    Piscean may supply livestock, plants, décor, medications, and equipment where appropriate. All additional items are itemised separately. Special orders may require prepayment. Additional livestock, products, or treatments may be supplied where pre-approved or reasonably required.

    Livestock Disclaimer: Aquatic livestock are sensitive to environmental fluctuation. Piscean does not guarantee survival or compatibility once introduced, except in cases of proven negligence.

    Piscean does not guarantee livestock to be free of latent disease, parasites, or pathogens unless explicitly stated in writing at point of supply.

    Piscean is not liable for livestock loss occurring during or after introduction into the Client’s system, including delayed mortality, stress-related death, or incompatibility with existing tank conditions.

    Livestock sourced from third-party suppliers are subject to availability, transport conditions, and supplier handling, and Piscean does not accept liability for variations in health or condition outside reasonable control.

    Installations & Design Programs

    Deposits are required for installations and custom design projects and become non-refundable once materials are ordered or design work commences, except where required under Australian Consumer Law. All design concepts, layout plans, written guides, and proprietary methodologies remain the intellectual property of Piscean unless otherwise agreed in writing. Clients must not reproduce, share, or sell any proprietary content without written permission.

    Payment Terms

    Payment is due as stated on invoice. Accepted methods: bank transfer, debit card, credit card, or cash (by prior arrangement). Late payments may result in administrative fees, suspension, or termination of service. Clients indemnify Piscean for reasonable debt recovery costs. All payments are non-refundable except as required under Australian Consumer Law.

    Cancellations & Access

    Minimum 48 hours’ notice required. Failure to provide notice or safe access incurs a $129 + GST fee. Pre-purchased materials remain payable. Unsafe conditions may result in immediate suspension of service.

    Client Responsibilities

    Clients agree to: maintain safe electrical infrastructure; ensure cabinetry and flooring are structurally sound; disclose known leaks or equipment faults; provide unobstructed access; maintain appropriate property insurance; and comply with local water, waste, and environmental laws. System monitoring and environmental stability remain the Client’s responsibility between services.

    The Client is responsible for monitoring aquarium conditions, water parameters, and livestock behaviour following service completion unless ongoing maintenance is contracted.

    Parking & Site Access

    Clients must provide safe, convenient, and free access to the service site, including sufficient on-site parking. Where street or paid parking is required, any incurred parking costs will be invoiced to the Client. Failure to provide reasonable parking may result in service delays or additional fees.

    Limitation of Liability

    Nothing in these Terms excludes rights under Australian Consumer Law. Liability is limited to re-supply of services or the cost of re-supply. Piscean is not liable for indirect or consequential loss. Total aggregate liability for property damage is capped at the amount paid for the relevant service. Piscean is not responsible for pre-existing damage or fragile décor outside reasonable control.

    This limitation includes liability for latent manufacturing defects, silicone failure, structural fatigue, bracing failure, glass stress fractures, or other hidden defects not reasonably detectable at the time of service.

    Piscean is not responsible for any third-party loss, including damage to neighbouring properties, strata common property, flooring, cabinetry, electrical systems, or contents arising from water escape or system failure.

    Consumer Guarantees

    Services will be provided with due care and skill, within a reasonable time, and in accordance with Australian Consumer Law.

    Force Majeure

    Piscean is not liable for delay or failure due to events beyond reasonable control, including supplier shortages, natural disasters, pandemics, severe weather, road closures, power outages, or government directives.

    Termination of Service

    Either party may terminate with written notice. Piscean may terminate immediately for non-payment, unsafe conditions, abusive behaviour, or breach of these Terms. Minimum commitments and rate adjustments apply for early termination of ongoing services.

    Conduct & Professional Standards

    Piscean maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward abusive, aggressive, discriminatory, or unsafe behaviour. Service may be terminated immediately in such circumstances.

    Health, Safety & Biosecurity

    Piscean staff may suspend or delay service if health, safety, hygiene, or biosecurity conditions are deemed unsafe. Clients must comply with staff instructions regarding safe handling and environmental control.

    Privacy

    Personal information is collected solely for service delivery, billing, and compliance under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). Information is not sold or disclosed except where operationally or legally required.

    Media & Marketing

    Piscean may photograph aquarium systems for quality assurance and marketing. No identifying personal information will be published without consent. Clients may opt out in writing. If consent is declined, anonymised images may still be used internally for quality control.

    Dispute Resolution

    Parties agree to attempt good-faith negotiation prior to legal proceedings. These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, with jurisdiction in NSW courts.

    Piscean may rely on photographs, video records, and service documentation as evidence in the event of any dispute regarding system condition, performance, or liability.

    Severability

    If any provision is invalid or unenforceable, the remainder remains in full force and effect.

    Waiver

    Failure to enforce any right under these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that right.

    Entire Agreement

    These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all prior discussions, representations, or agreements relating to the services.

    Acknowledgment

    By accepting a quote, replying in writing, paying an invoice or deposit, or permitting service commencement, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms.