Welcome! We're a small locally owned business that specializes in maintaining and custom building salt water aquariums. Before starting the company in 2013, I worked for the the second largest aquarium business in Los Angeles "Living Art Aquatic Design." It was mutually beneficial. They taught me how to run a successful business. We were the go to company in Hollywood. You'v seen some of the work in films I guarantee it! But, they brought me in because my specialty in reef aquariums. I was farming rare, delicate corals they could barely keep alive. At the time, most their tanks were artificial reefs. Eventually, I got home sick and founded Life Aquatic.
OUR SERVICES
Aquarium care is a delicate art. We have almost 20 years experience in the industry, and some of our clients have been with us over a decade! However, even though I know these system like the back of my hand, it's important to be thorough each and every visit. We love our fish! They deserve a well maintained environment to live a long, healthy life. So, I came up with this checklist to follow every time we come out:
The 4 C's
1. Chemistry- every visit we test all the important parameters. Alkalinity, it's more accurate because pH fluctuates throughout the day. Calcium, for both coral and fish skeletal growth, as well as coraline algae. That's the pretty pink/purple color you want your rocks to be. Magnesium, which is more important than most people realize. It runs in conjunction with calcium, and makes up about 1/6th of the salt in the ocean. Most our system's run perpetually nitrate and phosphate free. When symptoms occur, we test these levels and remedy immediately!
2. Change Water- We recommend 20% twice a month for commercial customers, so we can also test water, clean glass, and replenish water that evaporates. However, with knowledgable customers that could clean their own tanks, but just don't have the time. One 30% water change a month is usually sufficient.
3. Clean- Aesthetically this is what you're paying for. The glass is cleaned inside and out. The rocks, if necessary, and we always gravel vaccume the substrate. A lot of aquatic technicians skip this step, but in our opinion this is vital! Everything, from excess food to fish waste settles here. Also, the sand is a necessary component of the ecosystem. A lot of people run bare bottom tanks now days. Don't get me wrong it looks good when done right, but their professionals and are staying on top of their parameters daily! The sand is alive. You're pH drops overnight, even in the ocean, and the healthy bacteria helps hold it up. Couple that effect with low alkalinity. Sensitive corals, such as SPS and LPS, will let you know rapidly!
4. Chemicals- Every visit, we dose buffer, calcium, magnesium, and potassium iodide. Last element one of my biggest secrets! The test kits are unreliable, and the range .03-.09 is forgiving. So, we just add a lil bit every visit. If it gets too high, the water changes will bring it back down. I'd rather run that risk than letting it get too low! Every living organism needs iodine, that's why they put it in salt. And, we all know how important potassium is for the human body. Same goes for fish and corals! These 2 elements combined strengthen the immune system, and give fish/corals the slime coat you're familiar with if you've ever gone fishing or cared for an aquarium yourself.
Not convinced? Check out our happy clients on Instagram
PRICELIST
Roughly, it's $1/gallon each visit. Including all supplements we dose and water. Special treatments for nitrates, phosphates, antibiotics, etc. are additional.
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* Monthly customer receive a 30% discount on all livestock and comes with a 2 week guarantee.
CONTACT
ADDRESS
2435 N Central Expy
Richardson, TX 75080
TEL
214-769-4105
OPENING HOURS
Mon - Fri: 8am - 2pm​​​